People on Universal Credit could see their monthly payments increase by as much as £52 after the Government makes its Autumn Statement next week.
The Department For Work and Pensions ( DWP ) is expected to increase benefit payments including Universal Credit by 10.1% in line with inflation when Chancellor Jeremy Hunt sets out the Autumn Statement on 17 November. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the Government faces "difficult decisions" amid economic turmoil in the aftermath of the mini-Budget, but the PM is expected to bow to pressure to raise benefits amid the cost of living crisis, The Mirror reports.
Claimants have been increasingly worried that their benefits could see a real-terms cut, with Number 10 refusing to commit to a rise in line with inflation after Boris Johnson previously promised that he would do so when was Prime Minister earlier this year. Campaigners say a 10.1% rise for 5.6 million Universal Credit claimants would be long overdue, given that the benefit only rose 3.1% in April.
READ MORE: DWP shares plans for big change to the way people apply for PIP
A 10.1% rise would mean up to £52 extra in the pockets of Universal Credit claimants each month, depending on their age and living arrangements. You could be eligible to get Universal Credit if you're on a low income, out of work or unable to work, or need help with your living costs - you can find out more on the Gov.UK website.
Joint claimants - two people who live together where at least one is aged 25 or over - currently receive £525.72 per month. With an increase in line with inflation, this monthly payment would rise to £578.29.
Meanwhile, joint claimants who are both under 25 could expect their payments to jump from £416.45 to £480.09 per month. If you live alone and are aged 25 or over your monthly payment would increase from £334.91 to £368.40, and finally if you're single and aged under 25 your payment would go up from £265.31 to £291.84.
Raising benefits and the state pension in line with inflation is expected to mean major cuts to other areas of public spending as well as tax hikes. But a Government source stressed no final decision had been made so a real-terms cut could still happen, telling The Mirror that "it can and will change".
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