INCOME BOOST
Thousands of families on Universal Credit to get huge pay rise TODAY – check if you get the benefit
Plus find out how to check what benefits you could be entitled to
THOUSANDS of families on Universal Credit will start seeing extra cash land in their bank accounts from today.
In April, the Department for Work and Pensions boosted most benefit payments by 1.7%, with the State Pension also jumping by 4.1%.
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But because Universal Credit is paid based on monthly assessment periods, most haven’t seen the hike until now
Families whose assessment period began before April 7, will finally see the boost in their first increased payment today, May 13.
It means thousands could now be due a higher payment, easing the pressure as the cost of living continues to bite.
However, anyone whose assessment started after April 7 will need to wait until next month for the new 2025/26 rates to kick in.
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Here is a complete breakdown of how much more you could be getting:
Universal Credit standard allowance (monthly)
- Single, under 25: £316.98 (up from £311.68)
- Single, 25 or over: £400.14 (up from £393.45)
- Joint claimants both under 25: £497.55 (up from £489.23)
- Joint claimants, one or both 25+: £628.10 (up from £617.60)
Extra amounts for children
- First child (born before April 6, 2017): £339 (up from £333.33)
- Child born after April 6, 2017 or subsequent children: £292.81 (up from £287.92)
- Disabled child (lower rate): £158.76 (up from £156.11)
- Disabled child (higher rate): £495.87 (up from £487.58)
Extra for limited capability for work
- Limited capability: £158.76 (up from £156.11)
- Work-related activity: £423.27 (up from £416.19)
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Carer’s element
- Caring for a severely disabled person at least 35 hours a week: £201.68 (up from £198.31)
Work allowance increases
- Higher work allowance (no housing): £684 (up from £673)
- Lower work allowance (with housing): £411 (up from £404)
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It's important to bear in mind that Universal Credit is paid in arrears, so your next payment is always based on your previous month’s circumstances.
Even though the increase officially took effect from April 6, the new amounts only apply after your first full assessment period of the new tax year.
So if your assessment period started before April 7, your payment from today should include the new rates.
But if it started after, you’ll need to wait until June to see the extra money.
Full list of benefit pay rises this month
MILLIONS on benefits are set for a pay rise this month as the Government increases welfare payments.
Most benefits will rise by 1.7% this month, while the state pension has gone up by 4.1% to keep up with soaring costs of living.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed the increase, which will apply to Universal Credit, Child Benefit, PIP, DLA, Carer’s Allowance, ESA, and more.
Exactly how much more cash you'll get depends on your circumstances – but here’s a full list of what’s going up:
Universal Credit
Standard allowance (monthly)
- Under 25: £311.68 → £316.98
- 25 and over: £393.45 → £400.14
- Joint claimants under 25: £489.23 → £497.55
- Joint claimants 25 or over: £617.60 → £628.10
Child elements
- First child (born before April 6, 2017): £333.33 → £339
- Other children: £287.92 → £292.81
- Disabled child: £156.11 → £158.76 (lower), £487.58 → £495.87 (higher)
Carer’s element: £198.31 → £201.68
Limited capability for work: £156.11 → £158.76
Limited capability for work and work-related activity: £416.19 → £423.27
Work allowance
- Higher (no housing amount): £673 → £684
- Lower: £404 → £411
State Pension
New full state pension: £221.20 → £230.25 per week
Old basic state pension: £169.50 → £176.45
Annual increase: £11,502.40 → £11,975
Child Benefit
- Eldest child: £25.60 → £26.05
- Additional children: £16.95 → £17.25
PIP
Daily living component
- Enhanced: £108.55 → £110.40
- Standard: £72.65 → £73.90
Mobility component
- Enhanced: £75.75 → £77.05
- Standard: £28.70 → £29.20
Carer’s Allowance
- £81.90 → £83.30
Attendance Allowance
- Higher rate: £108.55 → £110.40
- Lower rate: £72.65 → £73.90
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Highest: £108.55 → £110.40
- Middle: £72.65 → £73.90
- Lowest: £28.70 → £29.20
Mobility component
- Higher: £75.75 → £77.05
- Lower: £28.70 → £29.20
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Single:
- Under 25: £71.70 → £72.90
- 25 and over: £90.50 → £92.05
- Couples: Over 18: £142.25 → £144.65
Housing Benefit
- Single under 25: £71.70 → £72.90
- Single 25 and over: £90.50 → £92.05
- Couple over 18: £142.25 → £144.65
- Child element: £83.24 → £84.66
Jobseeker’s Allowance (New Style)
- Under 25: £71.70 → £72.90
- 25 and over: £90.50 → £92.05
- Pensioners: £127.65 → £135.05
Statutory Payments
- Maternity Allowance: £184.03 → £187.18
- Parental pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, bereavement): £184.03 → £187.18
- Statutory Sick Pay: £116.75 → £118.75
Pension Credit
Guarantee Credit
- Single: £218.15 → £227.10
- Couple: £332.95 → £346.60
Savings Credit:
- Single: £17.01 → £17.30
- Couple: £19.04 → £19.36
Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- £148.40 → £150.90
How to apply for Universal Credit
Families struggling on a low income or out of work can claim Universal Credit.
Your eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
You may be able to get Universal Credit if:
- you’re on a low income or out of work
- you’re 18 or over - but there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17
- you’re under (or your partner is)
- you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
- you live in the UK
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you will need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get Universal Credit.
The number of children you have doesn't affect your eligibility but it could affect how much you get.
If you live with your partner their income and savings will be taken into account, even if they are not eligible for Universal Credit.
If you're not eligible for Universal Credit, you can use the government's to find out what help you can get.
You can apply for Universal Credit online by visiting the website.
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You’ll need a form of ID, your bank account details, and any income or housing information ready to go.
No internet? Call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 to apply by phone.
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