Millions of British households struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis are set to receive a significant financial boost this spring, as the Department for Work and Pensions confirms substantial increases to benefit payments.
What to Expect from the April 2024 Benefit Uplift
From April 2024, most working-age benefits will rise by 6.7%, matching September 2023's inflation rate. This increase will apply to crucial support payments including:
- Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
State Pension Sees Even Larger Increase
Pensioners will receive an even more substantial boost, with the State Pension increasing by 8.5% under the triple lock mechanism. This means:
New State Pension: Rising from £203.85 to £221.20 per week
Basic State Pension: Increasing from £156.20 to £169.50 per week
How Much Extra Money Will You Receive?
The exact amount you'll receive depends on your specific circumstances and which benefits you claim. For example:
A single person over 25 on Universal Credit standard allowance will see their payment increase from £84.80 to £90.50 per week.
Those receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will benefit from increased rates across both daily living and mobility components.
Additional Cost of Living Support
Beyond the annual benefit uprating, the government has confirmed further cost of living payments for eligible households throughout 2024. These targeted payments aim to provide additional support to those most vulnerable to price rises.
The DWP has emphasised that these increases represent the government's commitment to supporting households through challenging economic times while ensuring work always pays.
Benefit recipients should expect to see the increased amounts in their regular payments from April 2024 onwards, though exact dates may vary depending on individual payment schedules.
