According to the Daily Express, the figures combine Universal Credit, the State Pension, Child Benefit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The publication notes that a household could theoretically receive all four forms of support if everyone living in the household met the relevant eligibility criteria and remained within the benefit cap.
The payment levels reflect increases introduced in April, when several Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) benefits were uprated. The revised rates continue to apply throughout July.
Universal Credit and State Pension Account for the Largest Share of Support
Universal Credit provides financial assistance to people on low incomes or those who are out of work, while additional elements may be available for childcare, disabled children or caring responsibilities. All elements of Universal Credit increased from April following a 6.2% uprating introduced by the Labour government.
For standard Universal Credit payments, a single claimant aged under 25 can receive up to £338.58 per month. A single claimant aged 25 or over can receive £424.90 per month. Couples aged under 25 can receive up to £528.34 per month, while couples where both partners are aged 25 or over can receive up to £666.97 per month under the standard allowance.
The State Pension also increased from April under the Triple Lock policy, which raises payments by whichever is highest between wage growth, inflation or 2.5%. According to the Daily Express, wage growth of 4.8% was the highest measure this year, resulting in an increase to pension payments.
The full new State Pension now stands at £241.30 per week, equivalent to an average of £1,045.63 per month. The basic State Pension for those who retired before 2016 increased from £176.45 to £184.90 per week. The report also states that pensioners receiving the older State Pension may increase their income through Pension Credit, which rose to £238 per week from April.
Child Benefit and PIP Payments Also Increased From April
Child Benefit payments were also increased as part of the annual uprating. According to the Daily Express, the weekly payment for a first or only child rose to £27.05, giving an average monthly payment of £117.21.
Payments for each additional child increased from £17.25 to £17.90 per week. The report notes that there is no limit on the number of additional children for whom Child Benefit can be paid, although overall household benefit payments remain subject to the benefit cap.
Personal Independence Payment, commonly known as PIP, also received higher payment rates from April. The benefit is available to people who experience difficulties with daily living or mobility and is made up of separate daily living and mobility components.
Standard daily living payments increased to £76.70 per week, while the enhanced daily living rate rose to £114.60 per week. Standard mobility payments increased to £30.30 per week, and the enhanced mobility rate rose to £80 per week. Claimants receiving both enhanced components could receive the equivalent of £843.26 per month when averaged across the year.
The report also notes that although the Chancellor has announced a consultation on possible changes to PIP eligibility, including stricter assessment criteria, no changes have yet been introduced for the 2026–27 financial year, meaning both payment rates and eligibility remain unchanged.
