While people across the country will be well-aware that energy prices are set to soar from April 1, on top of what has been a record increase in fuel costs, there may be some relief for those who are claiming benefits next month. In February the UK Government formally approved changes to how much benefits claimants will receive, with a raise in universal credit (UC) and other benefits by 3.1% coming into force by April 11. It comes alongside a number of other changes to laws and additional costs to be aware of as we enter the new month.
Here are the changes to benefits that are being introduced in April. You can keep up to date with the biggest news in politics by subscribing to our Wales Matters newsletter here.
Read More: Martin Lewis' advice if your energy firm is trying to double your direct debit
Attendance allowance
Higher rate: £92.40 (from £89.60)
Lower rate: £61.85 (from £60)
Carer’s allowance
April 2022 rate: £69.70 (from £67.60)
Disability living allowance
Care Component
Highest: £92.40 (from £89.60)
Middle: £61.85 (from £60.00)
Lowest: £24.45 (from £23.70)
Mobility component
Higher: £64.50 (from £62.55)
Lower: £24.45 (from £23.70)
Employment and support allowance (ESA)
Under 25: £61.05 (from £59.20)
25 or over: £77 (from £74.70)
Housing benefit
Your personal allowance is used to help calculate how much housing benefit you may be entitled to.
Single person (personal allowance)
Under 25: £61.05 (from £59.20)
Aged 25 and between state pension age: £77 (from £74.70)
Entitled to main phase ESA: £77 (from £74.70)
Has reached state pension age: £197.10 (from £191.15)
Lone parent (personal allowance)
Under 25: £61.05 (from £59.20)
Aged 25 and between state pension age: £77 (from £74.70)
Entitled to main phase ESA: £77 (from £74.70)
Has reached state pension age: £197.10 (from £191.15)
Couple (personal allowance)
Both aged under 18: £92.20 (from £89.45)
One or both aged between 18 and state pension credit age: £121.05 (from £117.40)
Any age and on main phase ESA: £121.05 (from £117.40)
One or both have reached pension age: £294.90 from £286.05)
Incapacity benefit (long-term)
April 2022 rate: £118.25 (from £114.70)
Income Support
Under 25: £61.05 (from £59.20)
25 or over: £77 from (£74.70)
Jobseeker’s allowance
Contributions based
Under 25: £61.05 (from £59.20)
25 or over: £77 (from £74.70)
Income-based
Under 25: £61.05 (from £59.20)
25 or over: £77(from £74.70)
Maternity/Paternity/Shared parental allowance
Standard rate: £156.66 (from £151.97)
Pension credit
Single: £182.60 (from £177.10)
Couple: £278.70 (from £270.30)
Personal independence payment (PIP)
Daily Living Component
Enhanced: £92.40 (from £89.60)
Standard: £61.85 (from £60)
Mobility Component
Enhanced: £64.50 (from £62.55)
Standard: £24.45 (from £23.70)
State pension
Full new state pension: £185.15 (from £179.60)
Basic old state pension (Category A or B): £141.85 (from £137.60)
Widow’s pension
Standard rate: £126.35 (from £122.55)
Statutory parental bereavement pay
Standard rate: £156.66 (from £151.97)
Statutory sick pay
Standard rate: £99.35 (from £96.35)
Universal credit (monthly rates shown)
Standard allowance
Single
Single under 25: £265.31 (from £257.33)
Single 25 or over: £334.91 (from £324.84)
Couple
Joint claimants both under 25: £416.45 (from £403.93)
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £525.72 (from £509.91)
Child elements
First child (born prior to April 6, 2017): £290 (from £282.60)
First child (born on or after April 6, 2017) or second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies): £244.58 (from £237.08)
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