FROM this month, benefit and pension payments will increase slightly after rises which are set by the government each year to help payments keep up with the cost of living.
Most working-age benefits, including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Housing Benefit, will go up by 3.8 per cent. This means you may see a small increase in your weekly or monthly payments.
Support for carers is also increasing. Carer’s Allowance will rise in line with other working-age benefits, helping those who look after someone with additional needs.
If you receive disability-related benefits, these will also go up by 3.8 per cent. This includes Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance. These payments are designed to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition.
There will also be changes to the Benefit Cap, which limits the total amount of benefit some working-age households can receive. The cap will increase slightly, meaning some households may be able to receive a bit more support than before.
For people receiving the State Pension, there will be a larger increase of 4.8 per cent. This follows the government’s “triple lock” promise, which aims to make sure pensions keep up with rising earnings and prices. The full new State Pension will rise to around £241.30 per week.
Pension Credit will also increase. This is extra money for people over State Pension age on a low income and can help you qualify for other support, such as help with energy bills or council tax.
While these increases are welcome, we know that many residents are still feeling the pressure of rising costs. If you’re unsure what you’re entitled to, it’s worth checking your benefits or speaking to an adviser. As always, if you are facing difficulty in paying your rent, talk to one of our staff.
You can find full details of all the new rates on the government website here.