This April, Universal Credit recipients are due to receive a 10.1 percent rate rise. This is in line with the rate of consumer price inflation recorded in September 2022 and is intended to ease the impact of the cost of living crisis on the poorest households. The exact date the new rates will kick in from is April 10, but when you start to receive your higher amount depends on when your benefit payment normally falls.
Universal Credit new payments (per month)
Standard allowance
- Single under 25: £292.11, up from £265.31
- Single 25 or over: £368.74, up from £334.91
Couple
- Joint claimants both under 25: £458.51, up from £416.45
- Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £578.82, up from £525.72
Child Benefit (per week)
- Eldest or only child – £24.00, up from £21.80
- Additional children – £15.90, up from £14.45
State Pension
- Full New State Pension: £203.85, up from £185.15
- Basic Old State Pension (Category A or B): £156.20, up from £141.85
Attendance Allowance
- Higher rate: £101.75, up from £92.40
- Lower rate: £68.10, up from £61.85
Disability Living Allowance / Child Disability Payment
Care Component
- Highest: £101.75, up from £92.40
- Middle: £68.10, up from £61.85
- Lowest: £26.90, up from £24.45
Mobility Component
- Higher: £71.00, up from £64.50
- Lower: £26.90, up from £24.45
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) / Adult Disability payment
Daily Living Component
- Enhanced: £101.75, up from £92.40
- Standard: £68.10, up from £61.85
Mobility Component
- Enhanced: £71.00, up from £64.50
- Standard: £26.90, up from £24.45
How do I claim Universal Credit?
If you’re not receiving Universal Credit and think you might be eligible, you should of course check if you qualify first.
You’ll have to be on a low income or need help with living costs. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be out of work though.
For example, you could be:
- out of work
- working (including self-employed or part-time)
- unable to work, for example if you have a heath condition
You must also meet other criteria. You must:
- live in the UK
- be aged 18 or over
- be under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
You can also get Universal Credit if you’re 16 or 17 if you meet certain criteria, including having a health condition or disability, or if you’re responsible for a child.
The full list is included on the government’s website. If you are eligible, you then have to make a claim – you can do this online or call the Universal Credit helpline if you don’t have access to the internet.
The number to call is 0800 328 5644.