Thousands of Universal Credit claimants are starting to see a £470 rise in their accounts. Some will begin to receive the extra pay today, with four more critical dates remaining for the Department for Work and Pensions to update.
Universal Credit: Thousands to See £470 Payment Increase
People receiving Universal Credit with assessment periods of the 1st to 31st, 2nd to 1st, or 3rd to 2nd of one month to the next saw greater amounts arriving on Friday, June 7, with some payments brought forward due to the weekend. This is the first time these households have received the 6.7 percent increase that went into effect on April 8.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt believes the Universal Credit increase will provide an average monthly benefit of £39. This corresponds to £470 for this fiscal year. For example, the basic monthly sum for a couple increases from £578.82 to £617.60, while the incapacity top-up for 'restricted competence for work and work-related activity' increases from £390.06 to £416.19.
The remaining four dates for distributing the enhanced sums are set for next week. Those with an assessment period ranging from the 4th of one month to the 3rd of the next will receive the increased payment rates on Monday, June 10, while those whose evaluation spans the 5th to the 4th will see the increase applied to their benefits on Tuesday, June 11.
Then, individuals with assessments from the 6th to the 5th will receive the rise on Wednesday, June 12, and those with assessments from the 7th to the 6th will receive greater amounts beginning Thursday, June 13.
Insights into Universal Credit: DWP's Latest Developments and Payment Increases
The 6.7% rise is based on the Consumer Price Index number from September last year, and it is over three times the current inflation rate of 2.3%. The State Pension has increased by an even greater sum of 8.5%.
Some will have obtained their Universal Credit at the revised rate in May, while others will have to wait until June. Our Money Saving Newsletter contains more information on the latest DWP developments, such as Universal Credit payments and revisions.
Statistics show that couples with children receive an average of £1,140 in Universal Credit, while single parents receive a comparable amount. Childless couples usually receive £820, while single adults without children get £650.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that each Universal Credit claim gives out approximately £900. However, these estimates were last revised in February 2024, prior to the most recent annual increase, so claimants will now receive between £40 and £70 more per month.
The date of approval for your Universal Credit application determines the assessment and payment dates. The date your initial payment arrives becomes the usual monthly payment date.
Assessment periods, which last from one calendar month to the next, use an individual's or couple's wages and savings to calculate what benefits they will receive. Payments are made seven days later.