From April 2025, millions of UK households will benefit from increased government payments, including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, and State Pension.
These changes reflect a 1.7% inflation adjustment, along with the triple lock guarantee for pensions, providing financial relief to families, pensioners, and individuals receiving disability or childcare support. Let’s explore these updates in detail.
Universal Credit Increases
Universal Credit continues to support over 6 million claimants, replacing six older benefits. In April 2025, Universal Credit rates will increase as follows:
| Claimant Category | Current Amount | New Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single (under 25) | £311.68 | £316.98 |
| Single (25 or over) | £393.45 | £400.14 |
| Couple (both under 25) | £489.23 | £497.55 |
| Couple (one or both 25+) | £617.60 | £628.10 |
Childcare Cost Element
Families can claim up to £1,768.94 per month for childcare expenses for two or more children (up from £1,739.37). For one child, the maximum rises to £1,031.88 (up from £1,014.63).
Child Benefit Increases
Child Benefit payments will also rise in April 2025, providing critical support for parents:
- First/eldest child: £25.60 → £26.05 per week
- Additional children: £16.95 → £17.25 per week
These increases may seem small, but they add up to meaningful support over a year.
State Pension Triple Lock Increase
Under the triple lock guarantee, the State Pension will rise by 4.1% in April 2025.
| State Pension Type | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Full New State Pension | £221.20 | £230.25 |
| Full Basic State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 |
Disability and Carer Benefits
Increases for disability benefits like PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance will provide greater financial assistance for individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
| PIP Component | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living (Lower) | £72.65 | £73.90 |
| Daily Living (Higher) | £108.55 | £110.40 |
| Mobility (Lower) | £28.70 | £29.20 |
| Mobility (Higher) | £75.75 | £77.05 |
Attendance Allowance
| Rate | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £72.65 | £73.90 |
| Higher Rate | £108.55 | £110.40 |
Pension Credit Increase
Pension Credit, which boosts the incomes of pensioners on low earnings, will see the following adjustments:
| Category | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Single Claimant | £218.15 | £227.10 |
| Couple (Both Eligible) | £332.95 | £346.60 |
How to Check and Claim
- Universal Credit and Childcare Costs: Submit claims via the DWP Universal Credit Portal. Ensure all childcare expenses are documented and verified.
- Child Benefit: Verify updated payments through the HMRC portal.
- State Pension and Pension Credit: Review payment schedules via GOV.UK or contact the Pension Service for specific queries.
Additional Resources
For detailed updates on your benefits, visit:
- DWP Official Website
- HMRC Online Portal
- GOV.UK Universal Credit Page
By staying informed, you can ensure timely access to increased payments and take full advantage of available support for 2025.
