As spring approaches, millions of benefit claimants in the UK are reminded of key payment dates and available support amid ongoing cost of living pressures. March 2026 sees no bank holidays affecting benefit payments, so universal credit, personal independence payment (PIP), and other Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits will be paid as usual.
Around 24 million people, or one in three, claim some form of DWP benefit, including state pension. Yet £24 billion in benefits goes unclaimed each year, according to Policy in Practice. Households are urged to check eligibility using the organisation's calculator.
From April 2026, universal credit standard allowance will rise by 6.2 per cent, above inflation. For a single person over 25, this means an increase from £92 to £98 per week. Most other benefits, including PIP and disability living allowance, will increase by 3.8 per cent in line with September's inflation rate. The state pension will rise by 4.8 per cent to £241.05 per week.
However, the health-related element of universal credit for new claimants will be cut from £105 to £50 per month, a reduction of over £200 monthly. Existing claimants' rates will be frozen until 2029. The DWP advises eligible individuals to apply as soon as possible.
The migration of legacy benefits to universal credit is set to complete by end of March 2026. Those on tax credits, income support, jobseeker's allowance, or housing benefit should have already received a notice. For emergency financial help, universal credit claimants can apply for a budgeting advance loan, which is interest-free and repaid through future payments.
