DWP full list of benefit and pension increases April 2026

Most benefits have been uprated in line with inflation at 3.8%, ensuring payments better reflect rising living costs.

Meanwhile, the State Pension increase for 2026/27 is protected by the government’s Triple Lock guarantee, which ensures the pension rises by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. For 2026/27, this means a 4.8% increase.

Whether you’re a pensioner, carer, disabled claimant, jobseeker, parent, or someone unable to work due to illness, the Department for Work and Pensions has put out its 2026/27 to every major UK benefit, detailing its updated payment rates .

Disability benefits provide extra financial support if you need help with care or mobility. Many of these payments are tax-free and not means-tested, meaning savings and income do not affect eligibility.

Attendance Allowance

For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.

2026/27 Rates:

• Lower rate: £76.70 per week
• Higher rate: £114.60 per week

Key Features:

• Not means-tested
• Tax-free
• No mobility component
• Can increase Pension Credit and Housing Benefit
• May allow a carer to claim Carer’s Allowance

At the higher rate, this is worth nearly £6,000 per year.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

For working-age people with long-term health conditions or disabilities.

Daily Living Component (2026/27):

• Standard: £76.70
• Enhanced: £114.60

Mobility Component:

• Standard: £30.30
• Enhanced: £80.00

PIP is not means-tested and can significantly increase Universal Credit or Housing Benefit awards.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Being replaced by PIP for adults but still paid to some children.

Care Component:

• Lowest: £30.30
• Middle: £76.70
• Highest: £114.60

Mobility Component:

• Lower: £30.30
• Higher: £80.00

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

For people unable to work due to illness or disability. Many people have now been moved to Universal Credit through a ‘managed migration’ process.

Contributory / New Style ESA (2026/27):

• Under 25: £75.65
• 25 or over: £95.55

Additional Components:

• Work-related activity: £37.95
• Support component: £50.35

Income-Related ESA (selected 2026/27 rates):

• Single 25 or over: £97.75
• Couple (both over 18): £153.61

Premiums:

• Enhanced disability: £22.00
• Severe disability (single): £86.05
• Carer premium: £48.15

Universal Credit

Universal Credit (UC) replaces six legacy benefits and supports working-age households.

Standard Allowance (2026/27):

Single under 25: £338.58
Single 25 or over: £424.90
Couple (one or both 25+): £666.97

Child Elements:

First child (pre-April 2017): £351.88
Subsequent children: £303.94

Disabled Child Addition:

Lower rate: £164.79
Higher rate: £514.71

Carer Element:

£209.34

Childcare Support:

One child max: £1,071.09
Two or more: £1,836.16

Work Allowances:

Higher: £710
Lower: £427

Capital Rules:

• Upper limit: £16,000
• First £6,000 ignored
• £4.35 assumed income per £250 above threshold

Pension age benefits

State Pension 2026/27

New State Pension (full rate):

£241.30 per week

Old Basic State Pension:

£184.90 per week

Most pension payments increased by 4.8% for 2026/27.

Pension Credit

Guarantees a minimum weekly income.

Standard Minimum Guarantee:

Single: £238.00
Couple: £363.25

Additional Amounts:

Severe disability (single): £86.05
Carer addition: £48.15

Savings Credit:

Maximum single: £17.96
Maximum couple: £20.10

No upper capital limit applies, but tariff income applies above £10,000.

Pension Credit can unlock:

• Free NHS dental treatment
• Council Tax Reduction
• Cold Weather Payments
• Free TV licence (age 75+)

Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, now a partner at pension consultants LCP, said: “With households continuing to face a high cost of living and further increases in bills such as Council Tax, these annual upratings are vital to make sure that pensioner living standards are protected against inflation.”

Recommended reading:

Housing Benefit

Now mainly for pensioners and some supported housing claimants. This has been frozen again.

Personal Allowances (2026/27):

Single 25+: £95.55
Couple (18+): £150.15

Premiums:

Family: £20.22
Disability (single): £44.85
Severe disability (single): £86.05
Carer premium: £48.15

Universal Credit includes housing costs for most working-age claimants.

Carer’s Allowance

Weekly rate: £86.45

Must:

• Provide 35+ hours of care weekly
• Earn no more than £204 per week

Can also trigger extra Universal Credit or Pension Credit additions.

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Contribution-based:

• Under 25: £75.65
• 25+: £95.55

Income-based:

• Single 25+: £95.55
• Couple (18+): £150.15

Income Support

Single 25+: £95.55
Couple 18+: £150.15
Dependent child: £87.88

Premiums match ESA and JSA disability rates.

Bereavement Benefits 2026/27

Bereavement Support Payment

Standard:

• Lump sum: £2,500
• Monthly: £100

Higher:

• Lump sum: £3,500
• Monthly: £350

Widowed Parent’s Allowance (legacy): £156.65 per week.

Statutory Sick Pay

£123.25 per week

Statutory Maternity Pay

£194.32 per week

Also £194.32 for:

• Statutory Paternity Pay
• Statutory Adoption Pay
• Statutory Shared Parental Pay
• Statutory Neonatal Pay
• Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

100% disablement rate: £233.90

Constant Attendance Allowance:

Exceptional: £187.20
Intermediate: £140.40
Normal maximum: £93.60
Part-time: £46.80

Unemployability Supplement: £144.65

Maximum life gratuity: £15,520

Greater London:
Couples / single with child: £25,323 per year
Single adult: £16,967

Rest of Great Britain:
Couples / single with child: £22,020
Single adult: £14,753

Certain disability claimants are exempt.

Universal Credit & Working-Age Benefits:
Upper limit: £16,000
Disregard: £6,000

Pension Credit:
No upper limit
First £10,000 ignored
£1 income per £500 above threshold