Full list of Universal Credit payments increased for millions of people today (2025)

Most benefit rates are going up today after the new tax year began yesterday - here is a full list of all new Universal Credit rates

DWP Universal Credit (UC) payments have increased for millions across the country today as new benefit rates come into effect. Benefit rates increase at the start of each new tax year, April 6, but actually come into effect from today- the first working day of the new tax year.

Universal Credit (UC) is the benefit payment that people receive instead of the old legacy benefits. It currently replaces six legacy benefits, including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit. More six million people in the UK claim Universal Credit.

Every year the Department for Work and Pensions' rates go up in line with the inflation level from the previous September. This was confirmed as being 1.7% in September 2024, according to the consumer price index.

Benefit rates are generally increased annually in April, with the most of the new rates increasing on April 6 - the beginning of the new tax year. But many of the new rates will actually come into effect from today, Monday, April 7 - the first working day of the new tax year.

However, when UC claimants actually receive their new benefit rates may vary drastically depending on their assessment periods.

For most claimants, the increased rates will take effect around June, as the new rate won't be paid until the first assessment period that begins on or after April 7.

People who previously claimed Tax Credits will be effected by new UC rates due to Tax Credits - both working and child - being replaced by Universal Credit for all claimants this new tax year.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or the Department for Communities (for Northern Ireland customers) will have written to all eligible customers during 2024 and informed them of the need to move to Universal Credit to continue to receive financial support.

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Full list of new UC rates

The standard allowance - the basic amount you get before any additional payments or deductions are accounted for - is set to increase by:

• Single under 25: £311.68 a month to £316.98 a month
• Single 25 or over: £393.45 a month to £400.14 a month
• Joint claimants both under 25: £489.23 a month to £497.55 a month
• Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £617.60 a month to £628.10 a month

Some receive additional payments for factors such as dependent children or long-term illness.

Child element

• First child born before April 6, 2017: £333.33 a month to £339 a month
• First child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child: £287.92 a month to £292.81 a month
• Disabled child element lower rate: £156.11 a month to £158.76 a month
• Disabled child higher rate: £487.58 a month to £495.87 a month

Limited capability for work

• Limited capability for work: £156.11 a month to £158.76 a month
• Limited capability for work or work-related activity: £416.19 a month to £423.27 a month

Carer element

• £198.31 a month to £201.68 a month

Work allowance

• Higher work allowance (no housing amount): £673 a month to £684 a month
• Lower work allowance (with housing amount): £404 a month to £411 a month

Childcare cost element

• Maximum for one child: £1,014.63 a month to £1,031.88 a month
• Maximum for two or more children: £1,739.37 a month to £1,768.94 a month

To see a full list of benefits increasing from today, click here.