The Department for Work and Pensions has unveiled its proposed new payment rates for the 2026-2027 financial year, detailing the amounts millions of Britons will receive across a wide range of state support. The figures, published on 17 January 2026, show planned adjustments for benefits including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, and the State Pension.
Key Increases and Static Payments for 2026
With around 24 million people claiming some form of DWP benefit as of February 2025, these rates are crucial for household budgets. The department confirms that many payments will rise in line with inflation, offering some protection against the rising cost of living. However, some rates have remained static, which means their real-world value will effectively decrease.
The proposed weekly rate for the new State Pension will be £241.30, while the basic old State Pension (Category A or B) is set at £184.90. For those on Universal Credit, the standard monthly allowance for a single claimant aged 25 or over will be £424.90.
Detailed Breakdown of Major Benefits
Here is a selection of the key proposed weekly rates, unless stated otherwise, for the coming year:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Daily Living Component: Enhanced rate £114.60, Standard rate £76.70.
Mobility Component: Enhanced rate £80.00, Standard rate £30.30.
Attendance Allowance
Higher rate: £114.60. Lower rate: £76.70.
Carer’s Allowance
The proposed rate is £86.45 per week.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Contributory ESA for a single person aged 25 or over: £95.55. The support component within ESA is £50.35.
Statutory Sick Pay
The standard weekly rate is proposed to be £123.25.
What This Means for Claimants
These figures represent the standard rates, and many claimants may be eligible for additional premiums or elements depending on their specific circumstances. The annual adjustment process, typically following the government's Budget, aims to ensure support keeps pace with economic conditions.
For the 13.2 million claimants of State Pension age and the 10 million of working age, these published rates provide essential financial clarity for the year ahead. It is important to note that these are proposed figures, but they offer a reliable guide to the levels of support expected from April 2026.
The full list also includes detailed amounts for benefits such as Pension Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Maternity Allowance, and various bereavement supports, ensuring transparency for all those reliant on the welfare system.
