Millions will see a boost to their income
Linda Howard and Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
11:08, 22 Jan 2026
Brits in receipt of certain benefits are set to see a rise in payments(Image: Getty)
Brits receiving payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are set to see an increase in their entitlements. The DWP has recently revealed the proposed revised weekly payment amounts for State Pension recipients and benefit claimants.
Approximately 13 million pensioners will witness their State Pension rise by 4.8 per cent from April 6, while those on working-age or disability benefits will receive a 3.8 per cent boost. The updated payment rates come into force on the first Monday following the beginning of the financial year. However, for 2026/27, this coincides with the same date – Monday, April 6.
It is also crucial to bear in mind that most payments are processed retrospectively, meaning the vast majority of recipients won’t observe the increase immediately. Annual uprating letters are sent to all claimants before the implementation of new payment rates, informing individuals of the alterations. It is advisable to retain this documentation safely as it frequently serves as evidence of benefit entitlement when seeking additional financial assistance.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden recently disclosed the updated payment calculations. He also confirmed that under the new Universal Credit Act 2025, the Standard Allowance will rise by approximately £295 annually for a single claimant aged 25 or above, and roughly £465 for couples where at least one partner is aged 25 or over.
Additional State Pension components will see a 3.8 per cent rise, whilst the Standard Minimum Guarantee within Pension Credit will climb by 4.8 per cent – mirroring average earnings growth. From April 6, this will amount to £238.00 per week for a single pensioner and £363.25 per week for couples.
Nearly 13 million older people on the State Pension will see payments rise by 4.8 per cent(Image: Getty)
Across England and Wales, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), alongside other support for additional needs stemming from disability, plus Carer’s Allowance rates, will also rise by 3.8 per cent. As noted by the Daily Record, in Scotland, these matters fall under devolved powers and are determined by the Scottish Government.
On January 13, Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced that devolved benefits including Adult, Child or Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment and Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, will rise by 3.8 per cent – matching the rate applied to DWP benefits.
New DWP payment rates 2026/27
Weekly rates are shown, unless otherwise stated and have been listed in alphabetical order to make it easier to find the payment relevant to your own situation.
A full breakdown of all benefits, including additional payments, the benefit cap and new deduction rates can be found on GOV.UK.
Attendance AllowanceHigher rate: £114.60 (from £110.40)Lower rate: £76.70 (from £73.90)Carer’s AllowanceApril 2026 weekly payment rate: £86.45 (from £83.30)Weekly earnings threshold: £204.00 (from £196.00)Disability Living Allowance
Daily Care component
Highest: £114.60 (from £110.40)Middle: £76.70 (from £73.90)Lowest: £30.30 (from £29.20)
Mobility component
Higher: £80.00 (from £77.05)Lower: £30.30 (from £29.20)READ MORE: DWP confirms new benefit and State Pension rates for 2026 including Universal Credit and PIPREAD MORE: DWP says check state pension entitlement as some could be due extraContributory and New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)Single, under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)Single, 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)Lone parent, under 18: £95.55 (from £72.90)Lone parent, over 18: £92.05 (from £92.05)Couple, both under 18: £75.65 from (72.90)Couple, both under 18 with child: £111.35 (from £110.15)Couple, both under 18 (main phase): £95.55 (from £92.05)Couple, both under 18 with child (main phase): £150.15 (from £144.65)Couple, both over 18: £150.15 (from £144.65)
Full details on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.
Income SupportSingle, under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)Single, 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)Lone parent, under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)Lone parent, 18 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)Couple, both under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)Couple, both under 18 – higher rate: £114.35 (from £110.15)Couple, one under 18, one under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)Couple, one under 18, one 25 and over: £95.55 (from £92.05)Couple, both 18 or over: £150.15 (from £144.65)
Full details on additional premiums by age and household circumstances can be found on GOV.UK.
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Contribution based JSA
Under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Income-based JSA
Under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Lone parent
Under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)18 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)Couple, both under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)Couple, both under 18 – higher rate: £114.35 (from £11.15)Couple, one under 18, one under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)Couple, one under 18, one 25 and over: £95.55 (from £92.05)Couple, both 18 or over: £150.15 (from £144.65)
Full details on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.
The new payment rates start on the first Monday after the start of the financial year(Image: Getty)
Maternity AllowanceStandard rate: £194.32 (from £187.18)Pension Credit
Standard minimum guarantee
Single: £238.00 (from £227.10)Couple: £363.25 (from £346.60)
Additional amount for severe disability
Single: £86.05 (from £82.90)Couple (one qualifies): £86.05 (from £82.90)Couple (both qualify): £172.10 (from £165.75)Additional amount for carers: £48.15 (from £46.40)Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Daily Living component
Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)
Mobility component
Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)State Pension
New State Pension
Full rate: £241.30 (from £230.25)
Old/Basic State Pension
Category A or B Basic State Pension: £184.90 (from £176.45)Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)
Full details on Additional State Pension, Widows Pension, increments and Invalidity Allowance can be found on GOV.UK.
Universal Credit (monthly rates)
Single People
Under 25: £338.58 (from £316.98)25 or over: £424.90 (from £400.14)
Couples
Joint claimants both under 25: £528.34 (from £497.55)Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 (from £628.10)
A full list of additional elements related to Universal Credit can be found on GOV.UK.