Benefits: All you need to know on increases

Those currently receiving benefits like Universal Credit will see payments increased from the start of the new tax year on April 6. The amounts do not include a temporary boost of £20 a week which UC claimants have received because of the coronavirus crisis. There have been calls for this lifeline to continue beyond

April - and an announcement is expected during the Budget on March 3.

How is Universal Credit increasing?

As is to be expected from Universal Credit, there is no hard and fast answer to the question, “How will my benefits increase?” How much more you will be entitled to come April will depend on your circumstances, your age, whether you have a disability, and if you have children or are a carer. For those single and aged under 25, the standard allowance will rise from £256.05 to £257.33, while those over 25 will see their standard allowance rise from £323.22 to £324.84.

For those with children

Those with a first child born before April 6, 2017 will see their amount go up from £281.25 to £282.50, while for those with a child after this date or second child and subsequent child, the extra amount is going up from £235.83 to £237.08.

For those unable to work

Those deemed to have limited capability for work will see an increase from £128.25 to £128.89, while for those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount is going up from £341.92 to £343.63.

For carers

If you are caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week and are a Universal Credit claimant, you can get a boost in payments as of April 2021, an increase from £162.92 to £163.73.