The DWP has confirmed new payment rates for State Pension and benefits from April 6, with 13 million pensioners receiving a 4.8% increase
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has confirmed the new weekly payment rates for individuals receiving the State Pension or benefits. Nearly 13 million elderly people on the State Pension will see payments increase by 4.8 per cent from April 6, whilst those on working age or disability benefits can anticipate a rise of 3.8 per cent.
The payment rates previously published on GOV.UK were in a ‘proposed’ state, implying they could have been altered before the commencement of the new financial year, however all rates have now been confirmed. The new Universal Credit Act 2025 will result in the Standard Allowance increasing by approximately £295 annually for a single person aged 25 or over and around £465 for couples, where one is aged 25 or over.
DWP figures released on Tuesday reveal that there are now 8.34 million people claiming Universal Credit. An estimated 23 million people across Great Britain are receiving at least one benefit – it’s crucial to note that the State Pension is categorised as a ‘contributory benefit’.
Additional State Pension payment components will rise by 3.8 per cent whilst the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8 per cent – in line with the increase in average earnings. From April, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple.
In England and Wales, Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) and other benefits to assist with additional needs arising from disability, as well as the rate of Carer’s Allowance, will also see a 3.8 per cent increase, reports the Daily Record.
It’s crucial to note that in Scotland, these are devolved matters and the annual uprating for all 17 benefits can be found here.
Those receiving devolved benefits such as Adult, Child or Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, will also experience a rise in payments by 3.8 per cent.
All social security, including State Pensions, is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland.
Annual uprating letters are dispatched to all claimants before the new payment rates commence in April, informing people about the changes – it’s important to keep this somewhere safe as it can often be used as proof of benefit entitlement when applying for other forms of financial support.
New DWP payment rates 2026/27
Weekly rates are displayed, unless otherwise stated and have been listed in alphabetical order to make it easier to find the payment relevant to your own situation.
A comprehensive breakdown of all benefits, including additional payments, the benefit cap and new deduction rates can be found on GOV.UK.
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)
- 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)
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)
Complete information on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.
Income Support
Comprehensive 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)
Complete information on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.
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
Complete 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 comprehensive list of additional elements related to Universal Credit can be found on GOV.UK.