The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released the new monthly Universal Credit rates that will come into effect next month.
Starting April 11, all claimants of the benefit will see the amount they receive increase as the UK enters the 2022/23 financial year.
With soaring energy bills and a rising cost of living, the increased amounts will be welcomed by people across the country.
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As reported by Birmingham Live, the amount you will get depends on what type of Universal Credit you claim — for example if you are single or part of a couple.
Following a decision to up the State Pension by 3.1%, based on a temporary double lock rule rather than the usual triple lock, all other benefits are set to be increased by the same amount.
Here is a rundown of the new Universal Credit rates coming into force next month.
Universal Credit 2022/2023 (monthly rates shown)
Standard allowance
Single
- Single under 25: £265.31 (from £257.33)
- Single 25 or over: £334.91 (from £324.84)
Couple
- Joint claimants both under 25: £416.45 (from £403.93)
- Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £525.72 (from £509.91)
Child amounts
- First child (born prior to 6 April 2017): £290.00 (from £282.60)
- First child (born on or after 6 April 2017) or second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies): £244.58 (from £237.08)
Disabled child additions
- Lower rate: £132.89 (from £128.89)
- Higher rate: £414.88 (from 402.41)
Limited capability for work
- Limited Capability for Work: £132.89 (from 128.89)
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity: £354.28 (from £343.63)
Carer amount
- £168.81 (from £163.73)
How to apply for Universal Credit
Universal Credit is available to people who are either earning a low wage — including self-employed and part-time workers — or are currently out of work or unable to work, as well as those who are in education of training.
In order to claim the benefit, you must live in the UK, be below the State Pension age, and have under £16,000 in money, savings and investments.
Normally, claimants need to be over the age of 18, though there are certain exceptions — including those aged 16 or 17 who have a health condition or disability or are without any parental support.
Other criteria for people of this age include caring for a severely disabled person, being responsible for a child, having a baby in the past 15 weeks, or being pregnant and expecting to give birth in the next 11 weeks.
Additionally people in this age bracket may be eligible if they live with a partner, have responsibility for a child and their partner is eligible for Universal Credit.
Students can claim Universal Credit in various different circumstances including if they don't have parental support, are doing a course where no financial aid such as a student loan is available, are responsible for a child, or live with a partner who is eligible for the benefit.
Anyone who lives with a partner will need to make a joint claim for the household, even if the other person is not eligible for state support. Your partner's income and savings are also taken into account when assessing how much you will get.
After the first payment, you’ll be paid on the same date of every month. If your payment date is on a weekend, you are paid on the nearest working day before. To start your application, call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
