The UK’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced a 6.7% rise in several state benefits and pensions for the coming year, starting on April 8, 2024. This increase is based on the September 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI), aligning with inflation rates and ensuring financial support keeps pace with the rising cost of living. Additionally, state pensions will see an 8.5% increase. Here’s an overview of which benefits will be adjusted and what beneficiaries can expect from these updated rates.
Benefits Increase Breakdown
The 6.7% benefits increase will apply to a wide range of programs, ensuring that various groups—including families, the disabled, and those on low income—receive additional support in 2024. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key benefits set to rise:
| Benefit | Current Rate | New Rate (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit – Single (Under 25) | £292.11 | £311.68 |
| Universal Credit – Single (25 or more) | £368.74 | £393.45 |
| Universal Credit – Couples (Under 25) | £458.51 | £489.23 |
| Universal Credit – Couples (25 or more) | £578.82 | £617.60 |
| Attendance Allowance – Higher Rate | £101.75 | £108.55 |
| Attendance Allowance – Lower Rate | £68.10 | £72.65 |
| Disability Living Allowance – Care (Highest Rate) | £101.75 | £108.55 |
| Disability Living Allowance – Care (Middle Rate) | £68.10 | £72.65 |
| Disability Living Allowance – Care (Lowest Rate) | £26.90 | £28.70 |
| Personal Independence Payment – Daily Living (Enhanced) | £101.75 | £108.55 |
| Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit – 100% | £207.60 | £221.50 |
| Statutory Paternity Pay | £172.48 | £184.03 |
| Statutory Sick Pay | £109.40 | £116.75 |
| Additional State Pension – Maximum | £204.68 | £218.39 |
| Statutory Maternity Pay | £172.48 | £184.03 |
| Incapacity Benefit – Long-Term | £130.20 | £138.90 |
| Severe Disablement Allowance – Basic Rate | £92.20 | £98.40 |
| Statutory Adoption Pay | £172.48 | £184.03 |
Universal Credit
Universal Credit will experience notable adjustments:
- Single (under 25): From £292.11 to £311.68
- Single (25 or older): From £368.74 to £393.45
- Couples (both under 25): From £458.51 to £489.23
- Couples (one or both 25 or older): From £578.82 to £617.60
Additional allowances within Universal Credit, such as for children, carers, and work-related support, will also see a rise, aligning with the 6.7% increase.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance, which supports individuals with disabilities who require personal care, will increase as follows:
- Higher Rate: From £101.75 to £108.55
- Lower Rate: From £68.10 to £72.65
Disability Living Allowance
The Disability Living Allowance will experience rate changes for both the Care and Mobility components:
- Care Component:
- Highest: £101.75 to £108.55
- Middle: £68.10 to £72.65
- Lowest: £26.90 to £28.70
- Mobility Component:
- Higher Rate: £71.00 to £75.75
- Lower Rate: £26.90 to £28.70
Personal Independence Payment
PIP will also adjust both the daily living and mobility components:
- Daily Living Component:
- Enhanced: £101.75 to £108.55
- Standard: £68.10 to £72.65
- Mobility Component:
- Enhanced: £71.00 to £75.75
- Standard: £26.90 to £28.70
Disablement Benefit
This benefit, which supports those injured at work, will see the following adjustments:
- 100% Disablement: From £207.60 to £221.50 weekly
- 90% Disablement: From £186.84 to £199.35 weekly
- 20% Disablement: From £41.52 to £44.30 weekly
Statutory Payments
Statutory payments, including paternity, maternity, adoption, and sick pay, will also increase:
- Statutory Paternity and Adoption Pay: From £172.48 to £184.03
- Statutory Sick Pay: From £109.40 to £116.75
- Statutory Maternity Pay: From £172.48 to £184.03
These adjustments reflect the government’s effort to support families and individuals facing health challenges.
Additional State Pension
The maximum rate for the Additional State Pension will increase from £204.68 to £218.39, providing extra financial security to retirees.
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Funding and Adjustments
This significant benefits increase is part of the UK government’s commitment to align social welfare with economic conditions. Adjusting benefits and pensions by 6.7% helps ensure that low-income families, disabled individuals, and pensioners can maintain financial stability amid inflationary pressures.
The complete and detailed list of benefit adjustments is available on the UK Government’s official website, allowing individuals to verify their specific benefit updates.
FAQs
Which benefits will increase by 6.7%?
Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, and more.
When will the benefits increase take effect?
The increase takes effect from April 8, 2024.
How much will Universal Credit rise?
The increase varies; singles under 25 rise from £292.11 to £311.68.
Is the Additional State Pension increasing?
Yes, it will increase from £204.68 to £218.39.
Where can I find the full list of updated benefits?
Visit the UK Government’s official website for detailed information.
