Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

Manchester Evening News

Business

Kieran Isgin

Millions better off as DWP benefits including PIP, Universal Credit and pensions rise

Universal Credit Jeremy Hunt Inflation Tesco

Millions of Brits will now benefit from some extra cash after the government increased payments this week.

On Monday (April 10) a wide range of benefits saw an increase of 10.1 per cent - in line with last September's rate of inflation. It means that claimants receiving vital benefits such as Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will now see some improvement in their finances in the face of a cost of living crisis.

The rise has reportedly cost the government £11 billion following Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's announcement in his Autumn Statement last November. While confirming that benefits will be subjected to an increase, Mr Hunt stated that he was committed to protecting "the most vulnerable".

Around 10 million households will benefit from the cash boost this week. Depending on what benefit you claim, the amount of extra money you receive may change.

Here's a breakdown of all the benefits that have received an increase this week...

Universal Credit

Standard allowance

Single under 25: from £265.31 to £292.11
Single 25 or over: from £334.91 to £368.74

Couple

Joint claimants both under 25: from £416.45 to £458.51
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: from £525.72 £578.82

Parents

If first child was born before April 6, 2017: from £290 to £319.29
If first child was born on or after April 6, 2017: from £244.58 to £269.28
For a disabled child with lower rate addition: from £132.89 to £146.31
For a disabled child with higher rate addition: from £414.88 to £456.78

Limited capability for work

Limited capability for work only: from £132.89 to £146.31
Limited capability for work and work-related activity: from £354.28 to £390.06

Carers

Claimants who care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week will see an increase from £168.81 to £185.86

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps those with an illness or disability pay for their living costs. The new rates are as follows:

Enhanced daily living component: from £92.40 to £101.73
Standard daily living component: from £61.85 to £68.10
Enhanced mobility component: from £64.50 to £71.01
Standard mobility component: from £24.45 to £26.92 for standard

Pension Credit

Pension Credit acts as a top-up for pensioners on a low income with the max rate increasing:

Single claimants: from £182.60 to £201.04
Couple claimants: from £278.70 to £306.85

Housing Benefits

Single claimants

For under 25s, it’ll rise from £61.05 to £67.22
If you’re on main phase ESA, from £77 to £84.78
For those aged between 25 and state pension credit age, from £77 to £84.78
For anyone who has reached pension age, £197.10 to £217

Parents

If you’re under 18, payments will increase from £61.05 to £67.22
If you’re on main phase ESA, from £77 to £84.78
If you’re aged between 18 and state pension credit age, from £77 to £84.78
If you’ve reached state pension age, from £197.10 to £217

Couples

If both are aged under 18, payments will go up from £92.20 to £101.51
If one or both are aged between 18 and state pension credit age, from £121.05 to £133.27
If you’re on main phase ESA, from £121.05 to £133.27
If one or both have reached pension age, from £294.90 to £324.68

Carers Allowance

Carers allowance is provided to anyone caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week while they receive qualifying benefits. The rate will increase from £69.70 per week to £76.74 a week

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is provided to those living with a severe disability that results in somebody else needing to care for you. There are two rates which have received an increase: