Starting in April 2025, millions of UK residents will receive higher benefit payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This increase affects Universal Credit, State Pension, Child Benefit, Carer’s Allowance, and disability benefits, providing essential financial relief to low-income households, pensioners, carers, and those with disabilities.
These adjustments ensure benefits keep pace with inflation and wage growth, helping families manage rising living costs. But what are the new payment rates? How will these increases impact different groups? Let’s break it all down.
DWP Benefits Growth For Singles & Couples
The following table outlines the previous and new rates for major benefits:
| Benefit | Previous Rate (£) | New Rate (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit (Single, 25 and over) | 393.45 monthly | 400.14 monthly | +6.69 |
| Universal Credit (Couple, 25 and over) | 617.60 monthly | 628.10 monthly | +10.50 |
| State Pension (Full New) | 221.20 weekly | 230.25 weekly | +9.05 |
| Attendance Allowance (Higher rate) | 108.55 weekly | 110.40 weekly | +1.85 |
| Carer’s Allowance | 81.90 weekly | 83.30 weekly | +1.40 |
| Child Benefit (First child) | 25.60 weekly | 26.05 weekly | +0.45 |
| PIP Daily Living (Higher rate) | 108.55 weekly | 110.40 weekly | +1.85 |
| PIP Mobility (Higher rate) | 75.75 weekly | 77.05 weekly | +1.30 |
Why Are DWP Benefits Increasing?
Each year, the government reviews benefit payments to ensure they reflect the rising cost of living. In April 2025, the increases are based on:
- Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate (1.7%), recorded in September 2024.
- State Pension increases based on the “Triple Lock” mechanism, which guarantees pensions increase by the highest of:
- CPI inflation
- Wage growth (4.1%)
- A minimum of 2.5%
Since wage growth hit 4.1%, pensioners will receive a larger increase than other benefit recipients.
Universal Credit Increases
Universal Credit provides financial support for unemployed individuals, low-income workers, and those unable to work.
New Universal Credit Rates (April 2025)
| Category | Previous Rate (£) | New Rate (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (Under 25) | 311.68 monthly | 316.98 monthly | +5.30 |
| Single (25 and over) | 393.45 monthly | 400.14 monthly | +6.69 |
| Couple (Both under 25) | 489.23 monthly | 497.55 monthly | +8.32 |
| Couple (One or both 25 and over) | 617.60 monthly | 628.10 monthly | +10.50 |
Universal Credit Child Element
| Category | Previous Rate (£) | New Rate (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First child (Born before April 6, 2017) | 333.33 monthly | 339.00 monthly | +5.67 |
| First child (Born after April 6, 2017) | 287.92 monthly | 292.81 monthly | +4.89 |
| Disabled child (Lower rate) | 156.11 monthly | 158.76 monthly | +2.65 |
| Disabled child (Higher rate) | 487.58 monthly | 495.87 monthly | +8.29 |
Work Allowance Updates
For Universal Credit recipients who work:
- Higher work allowance (no housing costs): £684
- Lower work allowance (with housing costs): £411
These increases mean working claimants can earn more before their benefits reduce.
State Pension Increase
Due to the Triple Lock guarantee, the Full New State Pension will rise from £221.20 to £230.25 per week.
| State Pension Type | Previous Rate (£) | New Rate (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full New State Pension | 221.20 weekly | 230.25 weekly | +9.05 |
| Full Basic State Pension | 169.50 weekly | 176.45 weekly | +6.95 |
| Pension Credit (Single) | 218.15 weekly | 227.10 weekly | +8.95 |
| Pension Credit (Couple) | 332.95 weekly | 346.60 weekly | +13.65 |
These increases help pensioners cover essential expenses, including food, energy bills, and healthcare.
Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance
Attendance Allowance, supporting older individuals with personal care needs, will increase:
| Rate | Previous (£) | New (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | 72.65 weekly | 73.90 weekly | +1.25 |
| Higher Rate | 108.55 weekly | 110.40 weekly | +1.85 |
Carer’s Allowance, for those providing at least 35 hours of care per week, will rise from £81.90 to £83.30 per week.
Child Benefit Updates
Families receiving Child Benefit will receive slightly higher payments:
| Category | Previous Rate (£) | New Rate (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First child | 25.60 weekly | 26.05 weekly | +0.45 |
| Subsequent children | 16.95 weekly | 17.25 weekly | +0.30 |
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
| Category | Previous Rate (£) | New Rate (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP Daily Living (Higher rate) | 108.55 weekly | 110.40 weekly | +1.85 |
| PIP Daily Living (Lower rate) | 72.65 weekly | 73.90 weekly | +1.25 |
| PIP Mobility (Higher rate) | 75.75 weekly | 77.05 weekly | +1.30 |
| PIP Mobility (Lower rate) | 29.05 weekly | 29.20 weekly | +0.15 |
How These Increases Impact UK Households
- Pensioners benefit the most, with a 4.1% increase in the State Pension.
- Low-income families will see modest increases in Universal Credit.
- Disabled individuals will receive higher PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance payments.
- Carers will get a slight uplift in Carer’s Allowance, but the increase remains small.
How to Prepare for the Benefit Increases
- Check your updated payments to see how much you’ll receive from April 2025.
- Adjust your budget to account for the extra income.
- Ensure your details are correct with the DWP to avoid delays.
No need to apply—the increases are applied automatically.
