A host of DWP benefit changes are set to happen in April, including social security benefits going up by 1.7%, the earnings threshold for Carer’s Allowance increasing and changes to Universal Credit debt repayments. According to the DWP, Universal Credit debt repayment changes will improve the financial situation of around 1.2 million claimants by £420 each year.
Other changes include the closing of the Tax Credit service, the deadline for voluntary NICs for the contribution years 2006/7 to 2015/6, and the new Pension Age Disability Payment being rolled out in Scotland. Several DWP benefits are also set to rise from next month, including State Pension and Universal Credit. Every year rates go up in line with the rate of inflation from the previous September – in 2024 this was confirmed as being 1.7%, according to the consumer price index.
An exception to this rule is the State Pension which increases by whichever is highest out of inflation, wages based on average growth between May and July, or 2.5% – the triple lock promise.
The MEN reports this year it will rise by 4.1% in line with average earnings growth. Other benefits set to increase include Universal Credit, Child Benefits, and Disability Living Allowance.
Below is a full list of DWP benefit and rule changes happening next month, followed by a full list of benefit rate increases coming into force from when April payments are made.
Universal Credit payments increase
The standard allowance – the basic amount you get before any additional payments or deductions are accounted for – of Universal Credit is set to increase by:
Single under 25: £311.68 a month to £316.98 a month
Single 25 or over: £393.45 a month to £400.14 a month
Joint claimants both under 25: £489.23 a month to £497.55 a month
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £617.60 a month to £628.10 a month
Some people receive additional payments for factors such as dependent children or long-term illness.
Child element:
First child born before April 6, 2017: £333.33 a month to £339 a month
First child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child: £287.92 a month to £292.81 a month
Disabled child element lower rate: £156.11 a month to £158.76 a month
Disabled child higher rate: £487.58 a month to £495.87 a month
Limited capability for work: £156.11 a month to £158.76 a month
Limited capability for work or work-related activity: £416.19 a month to £423.27 a month
Carer element:
£198.31 a month to £201.68 a month
Work allowance:
Higher work allowance (no housing amount): £673 a month to £684 a month
Lower work allowance (with housing amount): £404 a month to £411 a month
Childcare cost element:
Maximum for one child: £1,014.63 a month to £1,031.88 a month
Maximum for two or more children: £1,739.37 a month to £1,768.94 a month
Work allowance:
Higher work allowance (no housing amount): £673 a month to £684 a month
Lower work allowance (with housing amount): £404 a month to £411 a month
Carer’s Allowance increase
This benefit is given to people who look after someone for 35 hours or more a week. You don’t have to live with or be related to the person you are caring for to be eligible. It will be going up in March by:
£81.90 a week to £83.30 a week
New Pension Credit top up rates
Pension credit tops up the income of people over state pension age. Recipients can also access other things, such as as council tax discounts and free TV licences for over-75s. There are also additional elements available if you’re a carer, you’re disabled, you look after children, or if you have savings and reached state pension age before April 2016.
Standard minimum guarantee:
Single: £218.15 a week to £227.10 a week
Couple: £332.95 a week to £346.60 a week
Basic and full State Pension rates
Men born on or after April 6, 1951, and women born on or after April 6, 1953 are able to claim the new state pension. People born before these dates are only entitled to the basic state pension payments. The New and Basic State Pensions, and the Minimum Guarantee element of Pension Credit will rise by 4.1% in April.
Full new state pension: £221.20 a week to £230.25 a week
Full old basic state pension: £169.50 a week to £176.45 a week
Disability Living Allowance rate increases
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those with a disability. You can only apply for DLA if you’re under 16 and you live in England or Wales. Those who live in Scotland can apply for Child Disability Payment.
DLA care component rates will increase as follows:
The highest rate: £108.55 a week to £110.40 a week
The middle rate from £72.65 a week to £73.90 a week
The lowest rate from £28.70 a week to £29.20 a week
DLA mobility component rates will increase as follows:
The higher rate: £75.75 a week to £77.05 a week
The lower rate: £28.70 a week to £29.20 a week
Attendance Allowance benefit rise
This is a benefit paid to people over the state pension age who need help or supervision with personal care due to illness or disability. Rates are set to increase by:
Lower rate:
£72.65 a week to £73.90 a week
Higher rate:
£108.55 a week £110.40 a week
