Universal Credit: £750 UC payment increase coming in April 2026 - how much are new UK rates?
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Claimants are set to see extra cash in their pockets as child, carer, and work allowances rise 💷
- Universal Credit payments are set to rise from April, affecting 8.3 million claimants
- Some households will see their annual income increase by around £725–£750
- Standard allowances for singles and couples, plus child payments, are increasing
- Carer payments and work allowances are also being boosted to help with living costs
- The DWP says the changes are part of annual adjustments to keep pace with inflation
Millions of Universal Credit claimants across the UK are set to see a notable increase in their monthly payments from April, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rolls out its annual uplift.
The changes, confirmed ahead of the new financial quarter, will affect around 8.3 million people, with some households set to receive nearly £750 more per year.
The DWP says the increases are part of the annual adjustments designed to keep pace with inflation and ensure support reaches those who need it most.
For claimants, this means extra financial breathing space as living costs continue to rise, helping cover essentials such as rent, food, and energy bills.
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What’s changing?
Standard Allowances
- Single claimants aged 25+ – rises to £338 (from £316)
- Single claimants under 25 – rises to £281 (from £265)
- Couples both under 25 – rises to £528.34 (from £497.55)
- Couples with one or both 25+ – rises to £666.97 (from £628.10)
Child Payments
- First child born before 6 April 2017 – £351.88 (from £339)
- First child born on or after 6 April 2017 – £303.94 (from £292.81)
- Second and subsequent children (where exceptions apply) – £303.94 (from £292.81)
Limited Capability for Work
- Standard LCW – £158.76 (no change)
- LCW & Work-Related Activity – £217.26 (from £423.27)
- Severe conditions / terminally ill – £429.80 (no change)
Carer Payments
- Carer element – £209.34 (from £201.68)
Work Allowances
- Higher allowance (with children or LCW, no housing costs) – £710 (from £684)
- Lower allowance (with children or LCW) – £427 (from £411)
Around 4 million households will see their annual income rise by roughly £725–£750 thanks to this annual uplift.
With household expenses continuing to rise and energy bills still higher than pre-crisis levels, more people are turning to Utility Warehouse (UW) to save money. UW lets you bundle services like broadband, mobile, energy and insurance into one streamlined account—reducing hassle while unlocking multi-service discounts. The more you bundle, the more you save.
Customers benefit from a single monthly bill, up to £400 towards early exit fees, and access to cashback on everyday spending. UW also offers the UK’s cheapest variable energy tariff when bundled, helping shield households from further price hikes.