MILLIONS of households saw a boost to their Universal Credit payments earlier this year – but when are they set to go up again?
Benefit payments grew in April but many may not be feeling the benefit due to the rising cost of living.
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Each year in April benefits are usually given a boost to keep up with rising costs and inflation – this is known as “uprating”.
It means that payments can keep up with rising prices on things like food, clothes and fuel, which go up over time – this is called inflation.
In January, the rate fell to 10.1%, down from 10.5% in December.
Inflation usually dictates the uprating of benefits including Housing Benefit and Child Benefit.
Universal Credit is another payment which Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed would increase in November’s Autumn Statement.
Here, we explain if Universal Credit is set to increase this year, and by how much.
Will Universal Credit payments rise in 2023?
Payments did rise in April 2023 but will not be increasing again this year.
The government uprated benefits by last September’s inflation rate of 10.1%.
This meant payments for the average family on Universal Credit increased by £600 a year.
While a rise to benefit rates is good news, many could still be feeling worse off.
That’s because the cost of living is still high which means people’s incomes are squeezed.
How much will I get?
Here’s how much the Universal Credit payments increased and what you should be getting now.
Standard allowance (per month)
- For those single and aged under 25, the standard allowance rose from £265.31 to £292.11
- For those single and aged 25 or over, the standard allowance rose from £334.91 to £368.74
- For joint claimants both under 25, the standard allowance rose from £416.45 to £458.51
- For joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the standard allowance rose from £525.72 to £578.77
Extra amounts for children
- For those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the extra amount went up from £290 to £319.29
- For those with a child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child, the extra amount went up from £244.58 to £269.28
- For those with a disabled child, the lower rate addition payment increased from £132.89 to £146.31 and the higher rate from £414.88 to £456.78
Extra amounts for limited capability for work
- For those deemed to have limited capability for work, the extra amount went up from £132.89 to £146.31
- For those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount is went up from £354.28 to £390.06
Extra amounts for being a carer
Universal Credit claimants can get an additional amount if they’re caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.
This payment rose from £168.81 to £185.86.
Increased work allowance
The higher work allowance (no housing amount) for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work went up from £573 to £631
The lower work allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work also increased from £344 to £379
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 health 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.
You’ll need a number of documents to hand too – for the full list, you can read our explainer.
Universal Credit
Here’s everything to know about Universal Credit:
