The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published a budget that includes many increases to Universal Credit in an effort to give more financial support in the face of the Cost of Living problem.
Cost of Living Crisis: DWP to Increase 14 Benefits, Including Universal Credit, but Freezes 6 Others
By Chourouk Derkaoui
Published on 1 November 2024 21:00
Universal Credit is one of 14 benefit increases that have been confirmed in the budget. However, because of the ongoing Cost of Living crisis, the Department for Work and Pensions will put certain benefit claimants in a difficult position by freezing six benefit payments.
Universal Credit Increases for Single, Joint Claimants, and Families
If one or both of the joint claimants are 25 years of age or older, the Universal Credit will rise from £617.60 to £628.099. The extra amount for those whose first child was born before April 6, 2017, will rise from £333.33 to £338.99. For parents, with a child born on or after April 6th of 2017 and those with any more children will see an increase in support from £287 to £292, per week.
The standard payment for joint claimants will increase from £617.60 to £628.099 if one or both of them are 25 years of age or older. The additional sum will increase from £333.33 to £338.99 for people whose first child was born prior to April 6, 2017. Also, it will increase from £287.92 to £292.81 for individuals who have a kid born on or after April 6, 2017, as well as for those who have a second or subsequent child.
DWP Boosts Support for Families with Disabled Children
In the case of a disabled kid, the higher rate will increase from £487.58 to £495.86, while the lower rate will increase from £156.11 to £158.76. The additional sum will increase from £156.11 to £158.76 for those who are judged to have limited job capacity.
The additional sum will increase from £416.19 to £423.27 for individuals who are judged to have limited capacity for work or job-related activities. Rates for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Employment Support Allowance (ESA), and Attendance Allowance will all increase in tandem with housing benefits.
The following benefits will also rise: Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), New-style Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, and Carer's Allowance. Along with the maternity stipend and statutory ill pay, there are also increases in maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.
State Pension Increase Amid Frozen Benefits
Also, the State Pension will increase. However, the capital limitations and benefit cap will remain unchanged. Following the death of a spouse, bereavement assistance payments provide people with ongoing financial support for a predetermined amount of time. Both the municipal housing allowance and the high-income child benefit charge are remaining unchanged.