MILLIONS on Universal Credit and a state pension face payment delays despite rates going up this week.
The vast majority of payments rose by 1.7% and the by 4.1% yesterday (April 7).
However, plenty of people will have to wait longer to receive a boost, and some until June.
This is because most benefits are paid monthly or twice monthly in arrears.
For example, those who usually receive their state pension on or before the 8th of each month won't get the increased rate until May.
So, if you usually get paid on 6th of each month, you won't get the hiked rate until May 6.
Meanwhile, millions on will also have to wait longer to see the new rates kick in.
This is because the amount you receive is based on your income and other personal circumstances during your last “assessment period”.
Those whose assessment periods started before April 7 will see their benefits rise in May.
However, anyone whose assessment period started after this date won't get the increased 2025/26 rate until June.
Here's a full list of the new benefit rates for 2025/26 so you can check how much extra you might get.
Universal Credit
The amount people claimingUniversal Credit receive has increased by 1.7%.
The benefit is paid to those who are not currently in work or to top up the income of low earners.
Standard allowance (per month)
- For those single and aged under 25, the standard allowance has risen from £311.68 to£316.98
- For those single and aged 25 or over, the standard allowance has risen from £393.45 to£400.14
- For joint claimants both under 25, the standard allowance has risen from £489.23 to£497.55
- For joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the standard allowance has risen from £617.60 to£628.10
Extra amounts for children
- For those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the extra amount has increased from £333.33 to£339
- For those with a child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child, the extra amount has risen from £287.92 to£292.81
- For those with a disabled child, the lower rate addition payment has risen from £156.11 to£158.76and the higher rate from £487.58 to£495.87.
Extra amounts for limited capability for work
- For those deemed to have limited capability for work, the amount has increased from £156.11 to£158.76
- For those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount will has increased from £416.19 to£423.27
Extra amounts for being a carer
claimants can get an additional amount if they're caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.
The amount you get a month has risen from £198.31 to £201.68
Thehave also risen.
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 has risen from £673 to£684
- The lower work allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work has risen from £404 to£411
State pension
The has increased from from £11,502.40 to £11,975 per year – a 4.1% boost.
The state pension rises under the “triple lock” system which sees it rise in line with whatever is highest out of: wage growth, 2.5% or the previous September'sfigures.
This year the rate of wage growth applies, meaning a 4.1% boost.
The full rate of the new has risen £221.20 a week to £230.25.
For the basic part of the old state pension, the rate has increased from £169.50 to£176.45.
It's worth bearing in mind, Additional State Pension amounts don't rise in line with the triple lock.
Meanwhile, any additional amounts you have received from deferring your state pension also do not go up in line with the triple lock.
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