Simple tool reveals exact date thousands of Universal Credit will see big payments boost in weeks

The Sun

2 days ago

A SIMPLE tool reveals the exact date thousands on Universal Credit will receive a pay rise.
Benefit payments rose by 1.7% on April 7 in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) level of inflation for September 2024.
This is common governmental practice and ensures people's benefit amounts keep up with the cost of living.
However, while the new rates are already in effect, some on Universal Credit will have to wait longer until they receive new bumper amounts.
This is because the benefit is assessed based on your circumstances each month, known as an "assessment period", but paid in arrears.
This means payments you receive each month are based on your circumstances in your previous assessment period.
The new Universal Credit rates came into effect after the first full one-month assessment period, which started on or after April 7.
For those whose assessment periods started after April 7, their payments rose as early as May 13.
However, anyone whose assessment period started before this date could be waiting until June 12 to get the new higher rate.
Check out our searchable table above which reveals when you will get the higher rate based on your assessment period.
NEW UNIVERSAL CREDIT RATES
Here is a full list of the new benefit rates for 2025-26 to give you a steer as to what you should expect to be paid.
Universal Credit standard allowance (monthly)
Single, under 25: £316.98 (up from £311.68)
Single, 25 or over: £400.14 (up from £393.45)
Joint claimants both under 25: £497.55 (up from £489.23)
Joint claimants, one or both 25+: £628.10 (up from £617.60)
Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence
Extra amounts for children
First child (born before April 6, 2017): £339 (up from £333.33)
Child born after April 6, 2017 or subsequent children: £292.81 (up from £287.92)
Disabled child (lower rate): £158.76 (up from £156.11)
Disabled child (higher rate): £495.87 (up from £487.58)
Extra for limited capability for work
Limited capability: £158.76 (up from £156.11)
Work-related activity: £423.27 (up from £416.19)
Carer's element
Caring for a severely disabled person at least 35 hours a week: £201.68 (up from £198.31)
Work allowance increases
Higher work allowance (no housing): £684 (up from £673)
Lower work allowance (with housing): £411 (up from £404)
OTHER UNIVERSAL CREDIT NEWS
Councils across England have started dishing out help after receiving funding through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
And some are distributing support to those on benefits including Universal Credit.
Middlesbrough Council has started issuing payments worth up to £120 to those in need.
Meanwhile, households in Reading are in line to receive £125 vouchers in the coming weeks if they receive free school meals, which are paid to families on benefits including Universal Credit.
Each council in England decides who is eligible for a portion of funding individually.
However, in most cases you'll qualify for help if you're struggling to cover essential bills like energy and food.
Some local authorities are giving out help to those on benefits like Universal Credit, while others are assessing people's eligibility purely based on income and not factoring in benefits.
Contact your council to find out what help is on offer. You can find what council area you fall under by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data.
You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
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