Scores of families who receive housing benefit will see their personal allowance rise in April.
This is the sum that calculates how much support struggling households can claim to help pay their rent due to unemployment or low-income. But an increase in the personal allowance does not guarantee a rise in your weekly or monthly payments.
Usually, the benefit is calculated based on a combination of both the personal allowance and any additional "premiums" you could be entitled to. Your income and rent circumstances are then also taken into account, along with any dependants you live with, to come up with an "applicable amount".
Read More : Child benefit payment amounts to go up in April
Here is how the housing benefit personal allowances are changing in April. These are weekly rates, as set out by the Government. To see how the changes will affect you personally, contact your council or JobCentre Plus.
Single person
- Aged under 25: Increasing from £59.20 to £61.05
- Aged 25 or over: Increasing from £74.70 to £77
- Entitled to main phase ESA: Increasing from £74.70 to £77
Lone parent
- Aged under 18: Increasing from £59.20 to £61.05
- Aged 18 or over: Increasing from £74.70 to £77
- Entitled to main phase ESA: Increasing from £74.70 to £77
Couple
- Both aged under 18: Increasing from £89.45 to £92.20
- One or both aged 18 or over: Increasing from £117.40 to £121.05
- Claimant entitled to main phase ESA: Increasing from £117.40 to 121.05
Dependent children
- Dependent children: Increasing from £68.60 to £70.80
Pensioner
- Single or lone parent – state pension age and over: Increasing from £191.15 to £197.10
- Couple – one or both state pension age and over: Increasing from £286.05 to £294.90
- Single or lone parent – reached state pension age on or after 1 April 2021: Increasing from £177.10 to £182.60
- Couple – both reached state pension age on or after 1 April 2021: Increasing from £270.30 to £278.70
