The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released the latest statistics, revealing that as of November 2023, there were 6.27 million people claiming Universal Credit in the UK. This includes 2.3m people who are employed but still need the income-related benefit.
From April 8, DWP benefits, including Universal Credit, will increase by 6.7 per cent. However, claimants may not see the full uplift until May because payments are made in arrears.
Payments due after April 8 will contain a mix of the old and new rates until a full payment cycle under the new rates has been completed.
The new Universal Credit payment rates are currently listed as ‘proposed’ on GOV.UK.
However, the Social Security Uprating Bill has already passed through the House of Lords and is unlikely to change now as annual uprating letters have been issued to claimants. Here is a full list of the new Universal Credit payment rates, additional elements and work allowance rates for the 2024/25 financial year, reports the Daily Record.
New Universal Credit payment rates 2024/25
Monthly rates are shown unless otherwise stated. A full list of all the proposed new DWP benefit payment rates due to start on April 8 can be found on GOV.UK here.
Universal Credit (monthly rates)
Single claimants
- Under 25: £311.68 (from £292.11)
- 25 or over: £393.45 (from £368.74)
Limited Capability for Work
- Monthly amount: £156.11 (from £146.31)
Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity
- Monthly amount: £416.19 (from £390.06)
Carer Amount
- Monthly amount: £198.31 (from £185.86)
Childcare costs amount
- Maximum for one child: £1014.63 (from ££950.92)
- Maximum for two or more children: £1,739.37 (from £1630.15)
- Non-dependants’ housing cost contributions: £91.47 (from £85.73)
Work allowances
Higher work allowance (no housing amount)
- One or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £673.00 (from £631.00)
Lower work allowance
- One or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £404.00 (from £379.00)