Many Universal Credit claimants have not yet had a payments increase - despite the rates going up this month.
DWP Universal Credit payments went up by 1.7% from April 7, following the autumn budget.
But Universal Credit is calculated on an "assessment period" for the previous calendar month. This "assessment period" is used to calculate how much Universal Credit claimants get, based on any earnings or deductions in this period.
Benefits including Child Benefits, Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) all increased by the same 1.7% figure. Pension age benefits will go up by 4.1%, in line with the triple lock.
What is Universal Credit and when is it rolling out?
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s usually paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland.
It is still rolling out for claimants on some benefits, with a gradual changeover still taking place.
It is paid to those on a low income, out of work or cannot work.
It is gradually replacing the following benefits and tax credits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
There's no need for claimants to apply for the increased benefit payment as Universal Credit will continue to be paid directly into their bank accounts.
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What was the Universal Credit uplift from April 7 2025?
These amounts vary by circumstances, but some of the most common amounts are listed below. For full details, see the DWP guidance.
Universal Credit, single person, aged 25+
This increased from £393.45 a month to £400.14, so an extra £6.69 a month
Universal Credit, single, aged 25+ with limited capability for work and work-related activity
This went up from £809.64 to £823.41, giving an additional £13.77 each month.
Universal Credit, single, aged 25+ with one child, born on or after 6 April 2017
This went up from £681.37 to £692.95 a month, so £11.58 more.
Universal Credit, couple, at least one adult 25+ with two children, born on or after 6 April 2017
This was £1,193.44 but went up to £1,213.72, so £20.28 a month.
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