The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to boost Universal Credit payments for claimants starting this April, with many receiving increases officially from 6 April. Single claimants aged 25 and above will see their standard allowance increase from £400.14 to £424.90 per month, which amounts to an annual rise of around £5,098.
Although most benefit rate changes take effect at the start of the new tax year on 6 April, some Universal Credit claimants will not see the new rates until their first assessment period beginning on or after 7 April. This means some payments may increase closer to June.
Couples claiming Universal Credit will also benefit from increased payments. Those under 25 will receive £528.34 monthly, up from £497.55, while couples aged 25 or over will see payments rise from £628.10 to £666.97 per month. Single claimants under 25 will have their standard allowance increase from £316.98 to £338.58 monthly.
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Labour Party Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, highlighted the government’s commitment to reforming the welfare system: “The welfare system we inherited has for too long locked disabled people and people with long-term conditions out of work. Laws coming into force today will change that, reducing projected expenditure on Universal Credit by almost £1 billion.”
He also emphasized the broader strategy behind the increases: “Simultaneously boosting the standard allowance and investing £3.5 billion in employment support means we’re creating a welfare system that backs people to work and helps them build a better future.”
Claimants do not need to take any action, as payments will automatically adjust to reflect the new rates. The Universal Credit standard allowance will increase by 2.3%, with updated rates applying from the 2026/27 tax year.