New DWP Universal Credit fee quantities from April

DWP has confirmed millions of people on Universal Credit will see their payments boosted

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the new 2026/27 payment rates for individuals receiving the State Pension or benefits, including the updated payment amounts for the 8.3 million people claiming Universal Credit.

Alongside the annual increase from April 6, the DWP predicts nearly four million households will experience an annual income boost of around £725 under the new Universal Credit Act. Changes outlined in the Universal Credit Act aim to adjust the core payment and health top-up within Universal Credit. The Act will result in the Universal Credit standard allowance permanently rising above inflation, equating to £725 by 2029/30 in cash terms for a single person aged 25 or over.

Full details on all the new payment rates for benefits administered by the DWP can be found on GOV.UK. It’s important to remember that most benefits, including Universal Credit, are paid in arrears, meaning most claimants will not receive the full new amount until after the first payment cycle post-April 6 is completed, reports the Daily Record.

This means most Universal Credit claimants will not see the new payment rates in their bank accounts until May, at the earliest.

Universal Credit payment rates 2026/27

Rates displayed are monthly unless stated otherwise:

Single Claimants

• Under 25: £338.58 (from £316.98)
• 25 or over: £424.90 (from £400.14)

Couples

• Joint claimants both under 25: £528.34 (from £497.55)
• Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 (from £628.10)

Child Amounts

• First child (born prior to 6 April 2017): £351/88 (from £339)
• First child (born on or after 6 April 2017 / second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies)): £303.94 (from £292.81)

Limited Capability for Work

• Limited Capability for Work amount: £158.76 (no change)
• Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount: £217.26 (from £423.27)
• Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount (Pre-2026 claimant, severe conditions criteria claimant or claimant who is terminally ill): £429.80

Carer amount: £209.34 (from £201.68)

Work allowances

• Higher work allowance (no housing amount) – One or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £710 (from £684)
• Lower work allowance – One or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £427 (from £411)