DWP confirms millions will get higher universal credit payments from next week

Millions of people are set to see higher benefits payments from next week. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the changes will apply to millions of people who receive universal credit.

In April state benefits increased by 6.7% meaning benefits claimants were due to receive higher payments from that date, but not everyone has had those due to the way payments are sent out.

Speaking on Money Box on BBC Radio 4 recently, programme researcher Sandra Hardial spoke about why universal credit claimants might not have seen the new higher amounts reflected in their bank accounts yet. To get the latest money stories straight to your inbox twice a week sign up to our newsletter here.

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Ms Hardial explained that the reason behind this is because universal credit is paid in arrears, so you get paid each period for the previous assessment period. This means that for many it will not be until May that they see their benefits reflect the new higher payments for the first time, as they only came into effect in April.

“The six million people on universal credit face the longest wait. The DWP has told Money Box that none of them will get the higher rate before May 14 and some will have to wait until June 13," she said.

The new monthly universal credit amounts from April 2024 are as follows:

Universal Credit (monthly rates)

Single claimants

• Under 25: £311.68 (from £292.11)

• 25 or over: £393.45 (from £368.74)

Joint claimants

• Joint claimants both under 25: £489.23 (from £458.51)

• Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £617.60 (from £578.82)

Child Amounts

• First child (born prior to April 6, 2017): £333.33 (from £315.00)

• First child (born on or after April 6, 2017) / second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies): £287.92 (from £269.58)

Disabled Child Additions

• Lower rate addition: £156.11 (from £146.31)

• Higher rate addition: £487.58 (from £456.89)

Limited Capability for Work

• Monthly amount: £156.11 (from £146.31)

Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity

• Monthly amount: £416.19 (from £390.06)

Carer amount

• Monthly amount: £198.31 (from £185.86)

Childcare costs amount

• Maximum for one child: £1014.63 (from ££950.92)

• Maximum for two or more children: £1,739.37 (from £1630.15)

• Non-dependants’ housing cost contributions: £91.47 (from £85.73)

Work Allowances

Higher work allowance (no housing amount)

• One or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £673.00 (from £631.00)

Lower work allowance

• One or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £404.00 (from £379.00)