Get ready for some important updates on your benefits starting this April! The new financial year brings some significant changes that are set to impact millions of people across the UK.
First off, for those receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance, you’ll see a 3.8% increase in your benefits. This means your payments will bump up starting 6th April 2026. Keep an eye out for a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions with all your updated payment details.
Pensioners have good news too—the basic and new state pensions will rise by 4.8%, translating to an extra £575 annually depending on your entitlement. It’s all part of the government’s commitment to the triple lock, ensuring pensions increase by the highest of inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%.
Universal Credit recipients will also see a boost. From April 2026, there’s a 6.2% rise to your standard allowance, thanks to an additional 2.3% increase announced in the autumn Budget. For a single claimant, that’s an extra £312 a year in your pocket! Plus, the two-child limit on Universal Credit will be lifted, allowing families to receive support for all children, big news for many who’ve been affected by this cap since 2017.
Changes are also coming for the Universal Credit health element. While the standard allowance sees an above-inflation increase, the health top-up for new claims will be adjusted. But don’t worry—those with the most severe conditions will continue to receive higher payments, with exemptions from reassessments.
This April, make sure you’re informed about how these changes might affect you and your finances. Stay tuned for more updates as we move into the new financial year!