When payday is due, millions of Universal Credit recipients will be pleasantly surprised to see an extra £470 in their pockets. This windfall follows closely on the heels of April's salary increase, thanks to a little-known rule that is about to make a significant difference. Let's get into the details and see when these bonus payments are scheduled to arrive.
Universal Credit Payment Delays: How Benefit Recipients Navigate the April Rate Increase
Millions of benefit recipients are experiencing payment delays as a result of how their welfare funds are distributed.
Benefit payment rates increased by 6.7% on April 8, matching the consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate for September 2023.
However, it is crucial to note that, while the higher rates have gone into force, most people will not see their payments increase until May.
This is because individuals on Universal Credit will have to wait a little longer to get their uprating due to the way the benefit is calculated.
This implies that the date you receive the wage increase will be determined by when your most recent assessment period ended.
Universal Credit is issued monthly and is determined by your individual circumstances.
Your "assessment period" begins on the day you file your claim.
The new Universal Credit rates will not take effect until after the first full one-month assessment period, which begins on or after April 8.
It means that those whose assessment periods began before April 8 will see their payments increase as early as May 14, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.
However, those whose evaluation period began after this date may not receive their enhanced benefits until June 13.
Universal Credit Benefit Increases for 2024: A Quick Overview
Learn about the most recent changes to Universal Credit benefits for 2024, which aim to provide improved support for individuals and families. Here's a complete list of the revised benefit rates for 2024-25, so you can see how much more you might receive.
Universal Credit
Standard allowance (per month)
- For those single and under 25, the standard allowance will increase from £292.11 to £311.68.
- For single people aged 25 or over, the standard allowance will increase from £368.74 to £393.45.
- For joint applicants both under 25, the standard allowance will increase from £458.51 to £489.23.
- For joint claimants who are 25 or older, the standard allowance will increase from £578.82 to £617.6.
Additional amounts for children
For parents with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the additional payment will increase from £315 to £333.33.
For parents with a child born on or after April 6, 2017, or a second and subsequent child, the extra payment will increase from £269.58 to £287.92.
For those with a handicapped child, the lower rate extra payment will increase from £146.31 to £156.11, and the higher rate from £456.89 to £487.58.
Extra amounts for reduced ability to work
For people with limited capability for work, the additional payment will increase from £146.31 to £156.11.
For persons assessed to have restricted capability for job or work-related activity, the additional sum will increase from £390.06 to £416.19.
Extra amounts for being a caretaker.
Universal Credit applicants can receive an additional payment if they care for a severely disabled individual for at least 35 hours per week.
The amount you receive each month will increase from £185.86 to £198.31.
The labour allowance rates will also increase in April of next year.
Increased work allowance.
The higher work allowance (no housing amount) for anyone claiming Universal Credit with multiple dependent kids or limited ability to work will increase from £631 to £673.
The reduced work allowance for anyone receiving Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capacity for work will increase from £379 to £404.