Full List of Benefits Rising in April

MILLIONS of Britons will get a pay rise in April after MPs vote in favor of higher benefit rates.

Universal Credit and other payments will increase by 3.1%, including child benefit and state pension.

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Benefits generally increase each year to keep up with rising prices for everyday goods and services, such as food and fuel.

A 3.1% increase will see the base amount for couples on Universal Credit rise by nearly £16 a month.

Pensioners on the state’s maximum pension will get an extra £5.55 a week, or almost £300 a year.

And families with two children will be better off by nearly £60 a year, as child benefit amounts will also increase.

The increase in benefit rates comes as Britons face higher bills like energy and council tax, and the extra money could help household budgets.

But families are still under pressure as the cost of living rises faster than benefit rates.

Experts estimate that inflation could peak at 7% in April.

Don’t forget to check that you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to by using a free benefits checker, as this could further increase your budget.

There is additional help you can get with bills if you are struggling, and council tax too.

Here’s how many benefits are increasing from April 2022.

Universal Credit

Standard allowance (per month)

• For people who are single and aged under 25, the standard allowance will increase from £257.33 to £265.31
• For single people aged 25 or over, the standard allowance will increase from £324.84 to £334.91
• For co-claimants under 25, the lump sum award will increase from £403.93 to £416.45
• For co-claimants one or both of whom are aged 25 or over, the standard award will increase from £509.91 to £525.72

Additional amounts for children

• For those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the additional amount increases from £282.50 to £290
• For those with a child born on or after 6 April 2017 or a second and subsequent child, the additional amount increases from £237.08 to £244.58
• For those with a disabled child, the additional lower rate payment increases from £128.89 to €132.89 and the highest rate of £402.41 at £414.88

Additional amounts for limited working capacity

• For those deemed to have limited ability to work, the additional amount increases from £128.89 to €132.89
• For those deemed to have limited capacity for work or work-related activity, the additional amount increases from £343.63 to £354.28

Additional amounts for being a caregiver

Universal Credit claimants can get an extra amount if you care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.

The amount you receive per month will increase from £163.73 to £168.81

Work allowance rates have already increased since November 24 last year and will increase again from April 2022.

Increased work allowance

• The higher working allowance (no housing amount) for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited working ability is increased from £557 to £573
• Lower Working Allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited working ability is increased from £335 to £344

Housing allowance

single person

• Under 25: from £59.20 to £61.05
• Any age and on ESA main phase: Increase from £74.70 to £77.00
• Between 25 and statutory pension credit age: increased from £74.70 to £77.00
• Reached retirement age: increased from £191.15 to £197.10

single parent

• Under 18: £59.20 increase to £61.05
• Any age and on ESA main phase: Increase from £74.70 to £77.00
• Aged between 18 and state pension credit age: from £74.70 to £77.00
• Reached statutory retirement age: reduced from £191.15 to £197.10

Pair

• Both under 18: from £89.45 to £92.20
• One or both aged between 18 and state pension credit age: from £117.40 to £121.05
• Any age and on ESA main phase: Increase from £117.40 to £121.05
• One or both have reached retirement age: increase of £286.05 to £294.90

Other

• Child/young dependent under 20: From £68.60 to £70.80

Pension credit

Low-income pensioners can supplement it via the pension credit.

The pension credit will increase from £177.10 per week to £182.60 or for couples, from £270.30 to £278.70

If your income is less than this amount, you should qualify for the benefit.

You could benefit from the “savings credit” part of the pension credit if the following two conditions apply:

• you reached the legal retirement age before April 6, 2016
• you have saved money for retirement, for example a personal or professional pension

This part of the pension credit will increase from £14.04 per week to £14.48 or for couples, from £15.71 to £16.20.

There are also additional amounts, for example if you are caring for someone else or if you are disabled.

You can find out more about pension credit, including how to apply, in our guide.

Attendance allowance

Attendance allowance helps to cover additional costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to look after you.

It is paid at two different rates and the amount you receive depends on the level of care you need because of your disability.

The top rate will drop from £89.60 to £92.40while the lower rate will also drop from £60 to £61.85.

Care allowance

You can apply for carer’s allowance if you look after someone for at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain benefits.

The rate will increase from £67.60 to £69.70 one week.

Disabled allowance

The Disability Living Allowance is replaced by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people with disabilities.

You can only apply for DLA if you are under 16. Seniors whose DLA claim has not been completed may see their payments increase.

• The highest amount will increase from £89.60 to £92.40
• Average amount £60.00 to £61.85
• Lowest amount of £23.70 at £24.45

And for the mobility component:

• £62.55 higher than £64.50
• £23.70 lower amount than £24.45

Employment support allowance

The employment support allowance (ESA) supplements the wages of workers if they have a low income.

• Under 25, £59.20 to £61.05
• 25+, from £74.70 £77.00
• Single parent under 18, £59.20 to £61.05
• Single parent aged 18 or over, from £74.70 £77.00

There are also other rates for couples, people with disabilities or people with family responsibilities.

Job search allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) supports unemployed people while they look for a job.

It’s being replaced by Universal Credit, but if you’re still claiming it, you’ll see payouts increase next year.

For those under 25, payments based on contributions and income will increase from £59.20 per week to £61.05and £74.70 to £77.00 week for older children.

There are also other rates for couples, people with children, people with disabilities or family responsibilities.

Maternity, paternity, adoption and sharing of parental salary

Paying for moms and dads who take time off for children, including those who adopt, will also increase next year.

Statutory rates will drop from £151.97 to £156.66for maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental remuneration.

The parental bereavement benefit will also increase by the same amounts.

Maternity allowance

New mums who are not eligible for standard Maternity Pay could still receive a payment amounting to thousands of pounds from Maternity Allowance.

It will go from £151.97 per week to £156.66 from April.

Payment for personal independence

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates will increase from next April.

The PIP contributes to the additional cost of living for sick or disabled people.

Payments for the daily living component will increase from £89.60 to £92.40 for upgraded and from £60 from £61.85 for the standard.

For the mobility component, it will increase from £62.55 to £64.50 for upgraded, and £23.70 for £24.45 for the standard.

statutory sickness benefit

You may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you are off work, including self-isolating due to the pandemic, even if you are not sick yourself.

The SSP is currently £96.35 per week and is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

It will go up to £99.35 in April next year.

State pension

The full rate of the new state pension will rise from £179.60 a week to £185.15.

For the basic part of the old state pension, the rate will increase from £137.60 to £141.85.

Family allowances

There are two child benefit rates, one for the eldest and another for each additional child.

The current rate for your eldest or only child is £21.15 per week and this will increase to £21.80.

Then for each of your other children it’s £14 a week – this will increase to £14.45 one week.