MILLIONS of households saw a boost to their Universal Credit payments earlier this year – but when are they set to go up again?
Benefit payments grew in April but many may not be feeling the benefit due to the rising cost of living.
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Universal Credit and legacy benefit payments went up in AprilCredit: Getty
Each year in April benefits are usually given a boost to keep up with rising costs and inflation – this is known as “uprating”.
It means that payments can keep up with rising prices on things like food, clothes and fuel, which go up over time – this is called inflation.
In January, the rate fell to 10.1%, down from 10.5% in December.
Inflation usually dictates the uprating of benefits including Housing Benefit and Child Benefit.
Universal Credit is another payment which Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed would increase in November’s Autumn Statement.
Here, we explain if Universal Credit is set to increase this year, and by how much.
Will Universal Credit payments rise in 2023?
Payments did rise in April 2023 but will not be increasing again this year.
The government uprated benefits by last September’s inflation rate of 10.1%.
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This meant payments for the average family on Universal Credit increased by £600 a year.
While a rise to benefit rates is good news, many could still be feeling worse off.
That’s because the cost of living is still high which means people’s incomes are squeezed.
How much will I get?
Here’s how much the Universal Credit payments increased and what you should be getting now.
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 o …
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