Millions of pensioners and benefit claimants will see their payments increase from April
Linda Howard and Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
13:43, 02 Jan 2026
State Pension and benefit payments are set to increase in April this year(Image: Getty)
Millions of Brits are set to see a change in their income this year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed the proposed new weekly payment rates for those receiving benefits or State Pension.
As reported by the Daily Record, nearly 13 million pensioners on the State Pension can anticipate a 4.8 per cent increase in payments from 6th April, while those on working age or disability benefits will experience a 3.8 per cent rise. These new payment rates were recently announced by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden.
He also highlighted that the new Universal Credit Act 2025 will result in the Standard Allowance increasing by roughly £295 annually for a single person aged 25 or over, and approximately £465 for couples where one is aged 25 or over. Additional State Pension payment components will see a 3.8 per cent rise, while the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8 per cent – mirroring the rise in average earnings.
Annual uprating letters are sent out to all claimants before the new payment rates start in April(Image: Getty)
From April, the weekly amount will be £238.00 for a single pensioner and £363.25 for a couple. In England and Wales, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other benefits designed to assist with additional needs due to disability, as well as the rate of Carer’s Allowance, will also witness a 3.8 per cent increase.
It’s crucial to note that in Scotland, these issues are devolved and the annual increment will be declared at the Scottish Budget on 13 January, 2026. Nonetheless, those receiving devolved benefits such as Adult, Child or Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, are expected to see their annual payments increase in line with DWP to avoid a two-tier benefits system across Great Britain.
All social security, including State Pensions, is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland. Annual uprating letters are dispatched to all claimants prior to the commencement of new payment rates in April, informing individuals about the alterations – it’s essential to keep this safe as it can often serve as evidence of benefit entitlement when applying for other forms of financial assistance.
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: £77.05 (from £80.00)Lower: £30.30 (from £29.20)
Nearly 13 million older people on the State Pension will see payments rise by 4.8 per cent(Image: Getty)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: £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.
READ MORE: DWP PIP ‘changes’ timeline as minister issues new statement to MPsREAD MORE: Everything to know about changes to January DWP paymentsMaternity 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.