Universal Credit and other benefits changing on April 6

New rates are also coming into force for those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, Personal Independent Payments and the State Pension - here's what you need to know

Millions of people will see their incomes rise in April as new Universal Credit rates come into force in England.

Jobseekers Allowance, Personal Independent Payment and State Pension payments will also change at the start of the new tax year, giving households on low incomes a boost.

The rise is not linked to the £20 a year benefit uplift that was introduced at the start of the pandemic.

Labour - and some Conservative MPs - want this temporary rise to be made permanent, but the government has not committed itself.

The Universal Credit rate is currently due to end next month, with the Chancellor set to explain whether it will be extended in his March Budget.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly keen on a £1,000 one-off support payment, instead.

How much are payments rising?

Benefit payments rose in April 2020 for the first rise in six years, increasing by 1.7% after an end to the benefit freeze. On April 6, these payments will rise again for all claimants.

How much you're entitled to depends on your individual circ*mstances, including your age, whether you have any disability and if you have children or are a carer.

Extra amounts for those unable to work

For those deemed to have limited capability for work, the extra amount is going up from £128.25 to £128.89.

For those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount is going up from £341.92 to £343.63.

Extra amounts for carers

Universal Credit claimants can get a boost if they are caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.

The amount you get a month will rise from £162.92 to £163.73.

Increased work allowance

The higher work allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work is going up from £512 to £515.

The lower work allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work is going up from £292 to £293.

What about monthly deductions?

Universal Credit payments can be deducted each month to help repay outstanding council tax, energy or water bills, rent, court fines, compensation orders, or child maintenance payments.

For third party deductions where 5% of the standard allowance is taken, the amount is going up as follows:

For those who are single and under 25, the deduction is going up from £12.80 to £12.87
For those who are single and aged 25 or over, the deduction is going up from £16.16 to £16.24
For joint claimants both under 25, the deduction is going up from £20.10 to £20.20
For joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the deduction is going up from £25.37 to £25.50

For deductions to repay rent and service charges where a minimum 10% of the standard allowance is taken up to a maximum of 20%, the amounts are going up as follows:

For those who are single and under 25, the minimum deduction is going up from £25.61 to £25.73 and the maximum deduction is going up from £51.21 to £51.47
For those who are single and aged 25 or over, the minimum deduction is going up from £32.32 to £32.48 and the maximum deduction is going up from £64.64 to £64.97
For joint claimants both under 25, the minimum deduction is going up from £40.19 to £40.39 and the maximum deduction is going up from £80.38 to £80.79
For joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the minimum deduction is going up from £50.74 to £50.99 and the maximum deduction is going up from to £101.47 to £101.98

Other benefits going up in April

Legacy benefits include job seeker's allowance, employment and support allowance, income support and housing benefit. Many people who haven't switched over to Universal Credit yet will see these payments rise, too:

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Carers Allowance rises to £67.60 (from £67.25)

Disability Living Allowance care component highest amount rises to £89.60 (from £89.15), the middle amount rises to £60.00 (from £59.70) and the lowest amount goes up to £23.70 (from £23.60)
Disability Living Allowance mobility component higher amount rises to £62.55 (from £62.25) and the lower amount goes up to £23.70 (from £23.60)
Employment and Support Allowance for under 25s goes up to £59.20 (from £58.90 and for those aged 25 and over, rises to £74.70 (from £74.35)
Housing benefit rises to £59.20 (from £58.90) for under 25s and to £74.70 (from £74.35) for 25s and over, while those entitled to main phase ESA will get £74.70 (up from £74.35)
Incapacity Benefit (long-term) rises to £114.70 (from £114.15)
Contributions-based Jobseekers Allowance is rising from £59.20 (from £58.90) for under 25s and to £74.70 (from £74.35 for those 25 and over
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance rises to £59.20 (from £58.90) for under 25s and to £74.70 (from £74.35) for those 25 and over
Maternity, paternity and shared parental pay is rising to £151.97 (from £151.20)
Pension Credit is rising to £177.10 (from £173.75).
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component is rising to £89.60 (from £89.15) for enhanced and £60 (from £59.70) for standard
Personal Independence Payment mobility component is rising to £62.55 (from £62.25) for enhanced and to £23.70 (from £23.60) for standard.

Universal Credit and other benefits changing on April 6 - what it means for you (2024)