Benefit rates increase this April 2026

If you receive social security benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, or New-Style Employment Support Allowance, your payments will rise by 3.8%.

Universal Credit will be increased by 2.3%

• Standard allowance, single under 25 – rising from £316.98 to £338.58
• Standard allowance, single 25 or over - rising from £400.14 to £424.90
• Joint claim, both under 25 - rising from £497.55 to £528.34
• Joint claim, one or both 25 or over - rising from £628.10 to £666.97

State pensions will also be uprated by 4.8%, rising from £230.25 to £241.30. 

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

When Universal Credit rates take effect (2026/27)

Benefit rates change each year in April. This year benefit rates officially go up on 6 April (beginning of 2026/27 tax year).

For many benefits, the new rates will take effect from 7 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 7 April.

Examples

Assessment period starting before 7 April:

Rachel’s assessment period starts on 24 March. It runs for a complete calendar month to 23 April, with a new assessment period beginning on 24 April.

Universal Credit payments are paid a week after the last date of each assessment period, so Rachel will receive her payment on 30 April. But as this assessment period starts before 7 April, the new rates will not take effect and Rachel will have to wait until her next assessment period (24 April to 24 May) to get the new rate on 31 May. 

Assessment period starting after 7 April:

John’s assessment period starts on 11 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 7 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 £73.90 to £76.70, with the higher rate to climb from £110.40 to £114.60 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 £83.30 a week to £86.45.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

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

• Daily living component, enhanced rate – rising from £110.40 to £114.60
• Daily living component, standard rate – rising from £73.90 to £76.70
• Mobility component, enhanced rate – rising from £77.05 to £80.00
• Mobility component, standard rate – rising from £29.20 to £30.30

Pension Credit 

Pension Credit is extra money for low income pensioners to bring their weekly income up to a minimum amount. The minimum guarantee will increase by 4.8%:

• Single allowance, rising from £227.10 to £238.00 a week
• Couple allowance, rising from £346.60 to £363.25 a week

Try the Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed every year - so be sure to check that you are not missing out on additional income.

We recommend doing a benefits calculation every six months to ensure you are receiving everything you have a right to. Use the free and confidential Turn2us Benefits Calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. It only takes 10 minutes!

Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Read our Benefit changes timetable 2026