The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced its proposed benefit and pension weekly rates for 2026 to 2027 and when the changes will be introduced. From April 6, nearly 13 million elderly people will see their State Pension rise by 4.8 per cent whilst the working age or disability benefits will increase by 3.8 per cent in Wales.
Every year the new allowance rates come into effect on the first Monday after the start of the financial year and this year that is the same date, Monday, April 6.
From April 2026 the basic standard allowance for Universal Credit that all claimants receive will increase, while the additional payments for most claimants newly found to have disabilities and health conditions that affect their capability for work will be reduced.
In England and Wales Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other benefits to help with additional needs due to disability, and the rate of Carer’s Allowance, will also by 3.8 per cent. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
State Pension payment elements will rise by 3.8 per cent while the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8 per cent. From April 6, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple.
A full breakdown of all benefits, including additional payments, the benefit cap and new deduction rates can be found on GOV.UK.
Weekly rates are displayed, unless stated otherwise, and have been arranged in alphabetical order for ease of reference.
Attendance Allowance
Higher rate: £114.60 (from £110.40)
Lower rate: £76.70 (from £73.90)
Carer’s Allowance
April 2026 weekly payment rate: £86.45 (from £83.30)
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 (from £77.05)
Lower: £30.30 (from £29.20)
Contributory 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: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Lone parent, over 18: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18: £75.65 from (72.90)
Couple, both under 18 with child: £114.35 (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)
Income Support
Single, 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)
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)
Maternity Allowance
Standard 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)
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)