Are Universal Credit payments going up and how much more will I get? | The Sun
MILLIONS saw their Universal Credit payments rise this year – here's when they are set to go up again.
Benefit payments grew by 10.1% in April but you might not be feeling the boost with the cost of living so high.
Every year in April benefits are usually increased to keep up with inflation – known as "uprating".
It means payments can keep up with the rising cost of food, clothes and fuel, which go up over time.
Inflation usually dictates the uprating of benefits including Housing Benefit, Child Benefit and Universal Credit.
But what does that mean for next year, and will benefits rise by as much as this year? Here's what you need to know.
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Will Universal Credit payments rise in 2023?
Payments for Universal Credit already rose in April this year.
The Government uprated benefits based on last September's inflation rate, which was 10.1%.
This meant payments for the average family on Universal Credit increased by £600 a year.
How much will I get?
Here's how much the Universal Credit payments increased and what you should be getting now.
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Standard allowance (per month)
- For those single and aged under 25, the standard allowance rose from £265.31 to £292.11
- For those single and aged 25 or over, the standard allowance rose from £334.91 to £368.74
- For joint claimants both under 25, the standard allowance rose from £416.45 to £458.51
- For joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the standard allowance rose from £525.72 to £578.77
Extra amounts for children
- For those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the extra amount went up from £290 to £319.29
- For those with a child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child, the extra amount went up from £244.58 to £269.28
- For those with a disabled child, the lower rate addition payment increased from £132.89 to £146.31 and the higher rate from £414.88 to £456.78
Extra amounts for limited capability for work
- For those deemed to have limited capability for work, the extra amount went up from £132.89 to £146.31
- For those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount is went up from £354.28 to £390.06
Extra amounts for being a carer
Universal Credit claimants can get an additional amount if they're caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.
This payment rose from £168.81 to £185.86.
Increased work allowance
The higher work allowance (no housing amount) for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work went up from £573 to £631
The lower work allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work also increased from £344 to £379
Will Universal Credit payments rise in 2024?
In most likelihood yes, and they will rise in line with inflation for September 2023.
Inflation in July stood at 6.8%, so if it stays around this figure benefits will rise next April, but by less than this year.
Inflation is forecast to rise in August to 7.1%, but of course this is just a prediction.
Plus, this figure may fall again in September.
How do I claim Universal Credit?
If you're not receiving Universal Credit, you should check if you qualify.
You'll have to be on a low income or need help with living costs. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to be out of work though.
For example, you could be:
- out of work
- working (including self-employed or part-time)
- unable to work, for example if you have a health condition
You must also meet other criteria. You must:
- live in the UK
- be aged 18 or over
- be under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
You can also get Universal Credit if you're 16 or 17 if you meet certain criteria, including having a health condition or disability, or if you're responsible for a child.
The full list is included on the Government's website.
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If you are eligible, you have to make a claim, which can be done online or by calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
You'll need a number of documents to hand too – for the full list, you can read our explainer.
Universal Credit
Here’s everything to know about Universal Credit:
- What is Universal Credit? Everything you need to know including how to apply
- Six things those on Universal Credit can get for FREE this month
- Universal Credit calculator 2022: How much can I claim and how do I apply?
- Universal Credit login: How do I sign in to my online account?
- How much can I earn before Universal Credit is reduced and do I get a work allowance?
- Six Universal Credit changes coming this year – how your payments are affected
- What is a Universal Credit advance payment? How to apply and pay it back
- Are Universal Credit payments going up and how much more will I get?
- How to claim Universal Credit if you’re self-employed
- How many hours can I work on Universal Credit and will my payment be reduced?
- What is a Universal Credit budgeting advance and how much could I get?
- What is the Universal Credit housing element and how much of your rent does it pay?
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