DWP Universal Credit payments won’t increase in April

Millions of Universal Credit claimants will have to wait longer

Millions of individuals claiming Universal Credit will have to wait longer to receive increased payments – despite rates rising in April. The Universal Credit standard allowance, which is the amount you’re entitled to before any deductions or additional elements are considered, will increase above inflation from April.

For a single claimant aged over 25, this means their monthly standard allowance will rise from £400.14 to £424.90. However, as Universal Credit is paid in arrears, people will not see the pay rise until June.

The higher rates will only apply to Universal Credit assessment periods that begin on or after April 13. Universal Credit payments are made a week after the last date of each assessment period -which means the new rates won’t take effect until June payments.

Your assessment period is used to calculate how much Universal Credit you receive, based on earnings or deductions during this period. Universal Credit is claimed by nearly eight million people in the UK, reports the Mirror.

Your eligibility for Universal Credit is determined by your personal circumstances, including your age, whether you live with anyone, your relationship status, income, savings, and sometimes your physical and mental health.

If you work, there is a taper rate which reduces your maximum Universal Credit payment as your earnings increase. The taper rate is 55%, which means 55p is deducted from your maximum Universal Credit payment for every £1 you earn.

Some individuals are entitled to a “work allowance”, which is a predetermined sum you can earn before your Universal Credit is decreased. The “work allowance” stands at £411 per month if you also receive housing cost assistance, and £684 per month if you do not.

Universal Credit payment rates for 2026/27

Single

• Under 25: £338.58 a month (from £316.98)
• 25 or over: £424.90 a month (from £400.14)

Couples

• Joint claimants both under 25: £528.34 a month (from £497.55)
• Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 a month (from £628.10)

Child amounts

• First child (born prior to 6 April 2017): £351.88 a month (from £339)
• First child (born on or after 6 April 2017 / second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies): £303.94 a month (from £292.81)

Limited Capability for Work

• Limited Capability for Work amount: £158.76 a month (no change)
• Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount (new claimants): £217.26 a month (from £423.27)
• Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount (pre-2026 claimant, severe conditions criteria claimant or claimant who is terminally ill): £429.80 a month (from £423.27)

Carer amount

Work allowances

• Higher work allowance (no housing amount) one or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £710 a month (from £684)
• Lower work allowance one or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £427 a month (from £411)

The full list of additional elements and redactions or deductions for Universal Credit payments can be found on GOV.UK.