Benefit rates increase this April 2024

If you receive welfare benefits such as Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Carer’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, your payments will rise by 6.7 percent. 

The state pension will also be uprated by 8.5%, rising from £203.85 to £221.20

Benefit claimants do not need to do anything as these payments will automatically increase.

When Universal Credit rates take effect (2024/25)

Benefit rates change each year in April. This year benefit rates officially go up on 6 April (beginning of 2024/25 tax year). For many benefits new rates will take effect from 8 April. However, for some Universal Credit claimants, increased rates will take effect around June. This is because The new rate won’t be paid until the first assessment period that begins on or after 8 April.

Examples

Assessment period starting before 8 April:

Rachel’s assessment period starts on 26 March. It runs for a complete calendar month to 25 April, with a new assessment period beginning on 26 April.

Universal Credit payments are paid a week after the last date of each assessment period, so Rachel will receive her payment on 2 May. But as this assessment period starts before 8 April, the new rates will not take effect and Rachel will have to wait until her next assessment period (26 April to 25 May) to get the new rate on 1 June. 

Assessment period starting after 8 April:

John’s assessment period starts on 12 April. It runs for a complete calendar month to 11 May, with a new assessment period beginning on 12 May. 

Universal Credit payments are paid a week after from the last date of each assessment period, so John will receive his payment on 18 May. 

John's assessment period starts after 8 April, so the new rates will take effect and he will receive increased Universal Credit payment on 18 May. 

Attendance Allowance

This benefit helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. The lowest rate is due to rise from £68.10 to £72.65, with the higher rate to climb from £101.75 to £108.55 a week.
 

Carer's Allowance

This is available if you care for another person for at least 35 hours a week. This allowance is rising from £76.75 a week to £81.90.
 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 

This benefit is replacing Disability Living Allowance and is available if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition.

• Daily living component, enhanced rate – rising from £101.75 to £108.55

• Daily living component, standard rate – rising from £68.10 to £72.65

• Mobility component, enhanced rate – rising from £71 to £75.75

• Mobility component, standard rate – rising from £26.90 to £28.70

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