DWP benefits are set to rise inline with inflation in 2024 (Image: GETTY)
Millions of households who claim benefits will see their payments rise next April by 6.7 percent, the Government has confirmed.
Most DWP benefits and Tax Credits will increase by 6.7 percent, in line with September’s inflation rate.
The uplift was confirmed by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as part of his Autumn Statement last week.
The announcement came as a relief to many households who feared they would be left worse off next year.
There were concerns that the government was planning to use a lower inflationary figure.
DWP payment dates may change this December (Image: GETTY)
Every April, benefit payments will increase in line with September’s inflation rate.
The amount someone gets depends on what benefit they are on and their conditions. Payments will be different for each person.
Britons are always urged to use a benefits checker and calculator to ensure they’re getting all the benefits they are entitled to, especially as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
How much will benefits increase by April 2024?
Universal Credit
The average family on Universal Credit will see an increase of around £470 a year from April 2024. This is the equivalent of an increase of around £39 per month.
As the cost of living crisis continues, any extra cash could be vital for families on low incomes (Image: Getty)
Under the system, people receive different monthly amounts depending on their circumstances:
- single and under 25 – £292.11
- single and 25 or over – £368.74
- living with partner and both under 25 – £458.51 (for them both)
- living with partner and either are 25 or over £578.82 (for them both)
For those single and over 25, their payments will increase from £368.74 to £393.45 – an increase of £24.71.
For couples on Universal Credit, over the age of 25 and with two children (born on or after 6 April 2017), payment will increase from £1,117.98 to £1,193.44 – a rise of £75.46.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is designed to help working-age adults living with an illness, disability or mental health condition. PIP is made up of two components – a daily living rate and a mobility rate – and people can be entitled to both or just one of these.
Daily living
- Lower rate: £68.10 to £72.65
- Higher rate: £101.75 to £108.55
Mobility
- Lower rate: £26.90 to £28.70
- Higher rate: £71 to £75.75
State Pension
The full rate of the new state pension will rise from £203.85 a week to £221.20. For the basic part of the old state pension, the rate will rise from £156.20 to £169.50.
Child benefit
Most parents in the UK can claim child benefit, but there are still certain eligibility rules. Britons can check the Government website for more information.
There are two child benefit rates – one for the eldest child and another for each further child or children.
The current rate for the eldest or only child is £24 per week. That’s £96 a month or £1,248 a year. Britons can get £15.90 for every additional child.
With a 6.7 percent increase, the rate for the eldest or only child will increase from £24 a week to £25.60.
For every additional child, payments would be increased from £15.90 to around £17.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit given to those over the state pension age who need help with day-to-day personal care or supervision due to illness or disability.
The lower rate is worth £68.10 a week and the higher rate is worth £101.75. From next April, payments will rise to £72.65 and £108.55.
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Disability Living Allowance
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people.
DLA care component rates will increase as follows:
- The highest rate: £101.75 to £108.55
- The middle rate from £68.10 to £72.65
- The lowest rate from £26.90 to £28.70
DLA mobility component rates will increase as follows:
- The higher rate: £71 to £75.75
- The lower rate: £26.90 to £28.70
Carer’s Allowance
People can claim Carer’s Allowance if they care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits. The rate will increase from £76.75 a week to £81.89.
Pension Credit
Retirees on a low income can get it topped up via Pension credit. Pension Credit will rise from £201.05 to £218.15 or for couples, from £306.85 to £332.95.
People could get the “Savings Credit” part of Pension Credit if both of the following apply:
- they reached state pension age before April 6, 2016
- they saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of Pension Credit will rise from £15.94 a week to £17.29 or for couples, from £17.84 to £19.39.
Income support
Income support is extra money for people who don’t have enough to live on. How much someone gets depends on their personal circumstances.
However, if someone is single and aged between 16 and 24, their weekly payments start from £67.20.
It will go up to £71.70 a week – a £4.50 a week pay rise, from April 2024.
If they’re in a couple, and they’re both over 18, their payments will increase from £133.30 to £142.23 – an increase of £8.93.
It should be noted that the chancellor introduced tougher rules related to work for benefit claimants.
Those who do not get a job within 18 months will be forced to take on work experience under plans to get more people into employment.
If benefit claimants don’t follow the rules, they will have their access to help, such as free prescriptions and legal aid, cut off.
More disabled and long-term sick people will also be expected to work from home.
For more information, people can visit the Government website.
