Much has been written about the end of the benefits freeze and changes being made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to payment rates.
The freeze meant that payments have remained the same for almost five years - rather than increasing in line with the rising cost of living in the UK.
The new changes came into effect on April 6, but some people are still waiting to see how much their April payment will actually be - especially if they are paid on the same date every month or every four weeks.
The changes will boost payments of PIP, Universal credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits and Child Benefits.
Here is a comprehensive summary of the new rates which have come into effect this month - some amounts shown are for people over the age of 25 only.
Universal Credit rates from April 2020 (monthly rate shown)
Standard allowance, single: £323.22 (from £317.82)
Standard allowance, couple: £507.37 (from £498.89)
Child element (new children, up to 2): £235.83 (from £231.67)
Work Allowance (higher): £512 (from £503)
Work Allowance (lower): £292 (from £287)
Personal Independence Payment : Up to £151.40 (from £148.85) weekly depending on daily living and mobility components awarded.
Daily living: standard rate - £59.70 (from £58.70)
Daily living: enhanced rate - £89.15 (from £87.65)
Mobility: standard rate - £23.60 (from £23.20)
Mobility: enhanced rate - £62.25 (from £61.20)
Disability Living Allowance (care component) : Up to £89.15 (from £87.65) per week depending on award.
Lowest: £23.60
Middle: £59.70
Highest: £89.15
Disability Living Allowance (mobility component): Up to £62.25 (from £61.20) per week depending on award.
Lower: £23.60
Higher: £62.25
Other benefits rates that rise in April 2020 (weekly payments shown)
Attendance Allowance lower rate
- £59.70 (from £58.70)
Attendance Allowance higher rate
- £89.15 (from £87.65)
Carer's Allowance
- £67.25 (from £66.15). Earnings threshold £128, up from £123
Child benefits
Only / eldest child : £21.05 (from £20.70)
Other children: £13.95 (from £13.70)
Guardian’s allowance
- £17.90 (from £17.60)
Maternity/Paternity/Shared Parental pay
- £151.20 (from £148.68)
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Up to £182 (from £179)
Statutory Sick Pay
- £95.85 (from £94.25)
Jobseekers Allowance
- £74.35 (from £73.10)
Employment and Support Allowance
- £74.35 (from £73.10)
ESA support group component
- £39.20 (from £38.55)
Housing Benefit (single, over 25)t
- £74.35 (from £73.10)
Widowed Parents Allowance:
- £121.95 (from £119.90)
Long-term Incapacity Benefit
- £114.15 (from £112.25)
Income Support
- £74.35 (from £73.10)
Pension rates from April 2020
New State Pension (full rate)
- £175.20 (from £168.60)
Old State Pension (category A or B)
- £134.25 (from £129.20)
Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee (single)
- £173.75 (from £167.25)
Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee (couple)
- £263.20 (from £255.20)
Benefit rates that won't change in April
Bereavement Support Payment standard rate
- £2,500 lump sum, £100 a month for 18 months
Bereavement Support Payment higher rate
- £3,500 lump sum, £350 a month for 18 months
Benefit cap
- £20k a year, £13,400 for childless single adult households
Universal Credit childcare costs allowance
- £646.35 per month
You can find detailed rates and information on how to claim on the gov.uk website here.
