People who claim Universal Credit set to wake up to payments of 'up to £1,768'

People who claim Universal Credit set to wake up to payments of 'up to £1,768'
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


New Universal Credit rates have been confirmed with payments set to rise by 1.7% next April in a major boost to more than six million benefit claimants. The benefits uprating was confirmed in the Labour Party Budget on October 30 by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Ms Reeves stated that Universal Credit and most other DWP and HMRC benefits will see a rise of 1.7 per cent, aligning with September's Consumer Price Index. The standard allowance for those single under 25 will rise from £311.68 a month to £316.98 a month.

The standard allowance for those single 25 or over will rise from £393.45 a month to £400.14 a month. Joint claimants both under 25 will see payments rise from £489.23 a month to £497.55 a month. Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over, will see payments uprated from £617.60 a month to £628.10 a month.

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The child element sees payments rise for the first child born before April 6, 2017 from £333.33 a month to £339 a month, for the first child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child from £287.92 a month to £292.81 a month, and for sisabled child element lower rate from £156.11 a month to £158.76 a month.

Disabled child higher rates will be uprated from £487.58 a month to £495.87 a month. Limited capability for work will rise from £156.11 a month to £158.76 a month and limited capability for work or work-related activity will rise from £416.19 a month to £423.27 a month

Carer element will rise from £198.31 a month to £201.68 a month and the higher work allowance (no housing amount) from £673 a month to £684 a month. Lower work allowance (with housing amount) is set to rise from £404 a month to £411 a month.

Childcare costs elements rise for one child from £1,014.63 a month to £1,031.88 a month and for two or more from £1,739.37 a month to £1,768.94 a month.