Millions claiming Universal Credit will see an income boost from today when payments rise by 10.1%.
In the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed multiple benefit rates were to increase in line with the September inflation figure.
Universal Credit is paid monthly, or twice a month for some in Scotland, so not everyone will see the uplift immediately.
For example, if you normally get paid your Universal Credit on the fourth of every month, you won't see the pay boost until May 4.
Here is how much Universal Credit is going up by from April 10.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which is designed to help those who are on a low income or are unemployed and need help with their living costs.
How much Universal Credit you can get depends on your personal circumstances which include things like age, whether you live in a couple, and whether you have children.
Each household gets a "standard allowance" and, if you're eligible, you can get additional payments on top of this to support other costs.
Your income and savings are then taking into account and deducted off your total amount to give you an overall benefit award.
How much has Universal Credit gone up by?
From April 10, the Universal Credit standard allowance will be:
- Single under 25: £292.11 per month - up from £265.31
- Single 25 or over: £368.74 per month - up from £334.91
- Joint claimants both under 25: £458.51 per month - up from £416.45
- Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £578.82 per month - up from £525.72
If you have children, you can claim more and the rate varies depending on how many children you have - if you have a disabled child then you are also eligible for added support.
Child payments
- First child payments to parents with children born before April 6, 2017: £315 - up from £290
- Payments for children born after April 2017 and second children/additional children: £269.58 - up from £244.58
- The lower rate for parents of disabled children: £146.31 - up from £132.89
- The higher rate for severely disabled children: £456.89 - up from £414.88
Limited capability for work
For those who have been classed by the DWP as having "limited capability for work" the extra amount: £146.31 - up from £132.89
For those classed as having "limited capability for work or work-related activity" the extra amount: £390.06 - up from £354.28
Carer's element
You can get additional money on top of Universal Credit if you are caring for a disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.
This amount is now £185.86 - up from £168.81.
Work allowance
If you are in paid work you sometimes can have a "Work Allowance" which is where you receive some of your earnings before your Universal Credit payment starts to be affected.
The Work Allowance only applies to you if:
- you have responsibility for one or more children (or qualifying young persons)
- you or your partner have limited capability for work
There are two Work Allowance rates and which one you get depends on whether you receive help with housing costs, either as part of your Universal Credit payment or through Housing Benefits:
- Higher work allowance - no housing amount - with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £631 - up from £573
- Lower work allowance - who have help with housing costs - with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £379 - up from £344
You can see the full list of all the 2023-24 Universal Credit rates here.
