Benefit rate increases this April 2023 (2024)

If you receive welfare benefits such as Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Carer’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, your payments will rise in line with the 10.1% inflation rate.

The state pension will also be uprated by 10.1%, rising from £185.15 to £203.85.

Benefit claimants do not need to do anything as these payments will automatically increase.

When Universal Credit rates take effect (2023/24)

Benefit rates change each year in April. This year benefit rates officially go up on 6 April (beginning of 2023/24 tax year). For many benefits new rates will take effect on 10 April. However, for some Universal Credit claimants, increased rates will take effect around June. This is because The new rate won’t be paid until the first assessment period that begins on or after 10 April.

Examples

Assessment period starting before 10 April:

Rachel’s assessment period starts on 26 March. Her assessment period runs for a complete calendar month from 26 March to 25 April, with a new assessment period beginning on 26 April.

Universal Credit payments are paid a week later from the last date of each assessment period. Rachel will receive her payment on 2 May. Rachel’s March to April assessment period starts before 10 April, so the new rates will not take effect and she will have to wait until her next assessment period, 26 April to 25 May, paid 1 June.

Assessment period starting after 10 April:

Michael’s assessment period starts on 12 April. His assessment period runs for a complete calendar month from 12 April to 11 May, with a new assessment period beginning on 12 May.

Universal Credit payments are paid a week after from the last date of each assessment period. Michael will receive his payment on 18 May. Michael’s April to May assessment period starts after 10 April, so the new rates will take effect and he will receive increased Universal Credit payment on 18 May.

Attendance Allowance

This benefit helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. The lowest rate is due to rise from £61.85 to £68.10, with the higher rate to climbfrom £92.40 to £101.75 a week.

Carer's Allowance

This is available if you care for another person for at least 35 hours a week. This allowance is rising from £69.70 a week to £76.75.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

This benefit is replacing Disability Living Allowance and is available if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition.

• Daily living component, enhanced rate – rising from £92.40 to £101.75

• Daily living component, standard rate – rising from £61.85 to £68.10

• Mobility component, enhanced rate – rising from £64.50 to £71

• Mobility component, standard rate – rising from £24.45 to £26.90

The benefit cap

The benefit cap is the limit on the total amount of benefits you can get if you are working age.

• £20,000 a year (£1,667.67 a month) for couples (with or without children) and single parents with dependent children.

• £13,400 a year (£1,116.67 a month) for a single adult who doesn’t have children or whose child/children do not live with them.
  

For non- London residents, from April 2023 the limit on benefit payments will increase to:

• £22,020 a year (£1835 a month) for couples (with or without children) and single parents with dependent children.

  See Also

  The EY ITEM Club Spring Forecast

• £14,753 a year (£1,229.42 a month) for a single adult who doesn’t have children or whose child/children do not live with them.

If you live in Greater London, the cap is set at:

• £23,000 a year (£1,916.67 a month) for couples (with or without children) and single parents with dependent children.

• £15,410 a year (£1,284.17 a month) for a single adult who doesn’t have children or whose child/children do not live with them.

For Greater London residents, from April 2023 the limit on benefit payments will increase to:

• £25,323 a year (£2110.25 a month) for couples (with or without children) and single parents with dependent children.

• £16,967 a year (£1,413.92 a month) for a single adult who doesn’t have children or whose child/children do not live with them.

For a full list of benefit payments that are increasing from 1 April, including for those living in Greater London, visit the Government website on benefit and pension rates 2023 to 2024.

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