Benefit Changes Timetable - Benefit Changes Timetable 2026

Please note that information about some of these changes may be limited at present and also subject to further change. Although some will happen quickly, others may be introduced gradually.

March 2026

All legacy benefits will end on 31 March 2026. No more payments will be made.

April 2026

Introduction of changes to Universal Credit, from April 2026:

• The two-child limit will be removed. This means families with three or more children will receive an extra child element payment for each additional child. 
• New claimants of Universal Credit who get LCWRA will not get the full £94 per week and instead get £50.
• The Universal Credit standard allowance will increase by 6%, from £92 per week to £98 per week.
• The maximum amount available for Universal Credit Childcare Costs will increase by £736.06 for each additional child above the two-child cap.

Social security benefits across the UK will increase by 3.8%.

The New and Basic State Pension will increase by 4.8%.

The National Living Wage will rise by 4.1%, from £12.21 to 12.71 per hour.

The National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will increase by 8.5%, from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour. For 16 to 17-year-olds and apprentices it will increase by 6% from £7.55 to £8.00 per hour.

Extra taxes will be added to cars leased through the Motability Scheme, along with restrictions on certain car brands.

October 2026

The Warm Home Discount Scheme opens for applications in England, Scotland and Wales.

November 2026

Across the UK, eligible pensioners will begin to receive their Winter Fuel Payment or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Cold Weather Payment 2026 scheme opens.

In Scotland, the Winter Heating Payment and Child Winter Heating Payment will be paid to eligible households.