Brits to see rise in pension and benefits from DWP this April | Personal Finance | Finance

January 2, 2026 2,269

This April, millions of Brits are set to see a change in their income. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the proposed new weekly payment rates for those on benefits or State Pension.

As highlighted by the Daily Record, nearly 13 million pensioners on the State Pension can expect a 4.8% increase in payments from 6th April, while those on working age or disability benefits will see a 3.8% rise. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, recently revealed these new payment rates.

He also pointed out that the new Universal Credit Act 2025 means the Standard Allowance will increase by roughly £295 annually for a single person aged 25 or over, and approximately £465 for couples where one is aged 25 or over.

Additional State Pension payment components will witness a 3.8 per cent rise, while the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will go up by 4.8 per cent – reflecting the increase in average earnings.

From April, the weekly amount will be £238.00 for a single pensioner and £363.25 for a couple. In England and Wales, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other benefits designed to help with additional needs arising from disability, as well as the rate of Carer’s Allowance, will also see a 3.8% increase.

It’s important to remember that in Scotland, these are devolved matters and the annual increase will be announced at the Scottish Budget on 13 January, 2026. However, people receiving devolved benefits such as Adult, Child or Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, are anticipated to see their yearly payments rise in line with DWP to prevent a two-tier benefits system across Great Britain.

All social security, including State Pensions, is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland. Annual uprating letters are sent out to all claimants before the start of new payment rates in April, informing people about the changes – it’s vital to keep this safe as it can often serve as proof of benefit entitlement when applying for other forms of financial aid.

New DWP payment rates 2026/27

Weekly rates are shown, unless otherwise stated and have been listed in alphabetical order to make it easier to find the payment relevant to your own situation.

A full breakdown of all benefits, including additional payments, the benefit cap and new deduction rates can be found on GOV.UK.

Attendance Allowance

Higher rate: £114.60 (from £110.40)
Lower rate: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Carer’s Allowance

April 2026 weekly payment rate: £86.45 (from £83.30)
Weekly earnings threshold: £204.00 (from £196.00)

Disability Living Allowance

Daily Care component

Highest: £114.60 (from £110.40)
Middle: £76.70 (from £73.90)
Lowest: £30.30 (from £29.20)

Mobility component

Higher: £77.05 (from £80.00)
Lower: £30.30 (from £29.20)

Contributory and New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Single, under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Single, 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Lone parent, under 18: £95.55 (from £72.90)
Lone parent, over 18: £92.05 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18: £75.65 from (72.90)
Couple, both under 18 with child: £111.35 (from £110.15)
Couple, both under 18 (main phase): £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18 with child (main phase): £150.15 (from £144.65)
Couple, both over 18: £150.15 (from £144.65)

Full details on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.

Income Support

Single, under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Single, 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Lone parent, under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Lone parent, 18 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Couple, both under 18 – higher rate: £114.35 (from £110.15)
Couple, one under 18, one under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Couple, one under 18, one 25 and over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both 18 or over: £150.15 (from £144.65)

Full details on additional premiums by age and household circumstances can be found on GOV.UK.

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Contribution based JSA

Under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)

Income-based JSA

Under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)

Lone parent

Under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
18 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Couple, both under 18 – higher rate: £114.35 (from £11.15)
Couple, one under 18, one under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Couple, one under 18, one 25 and over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both 18 or over: £150.15 (from £144.65)

Full details on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.

Maternity Allowance

Standard rate: £194.32 (from £187.18)

Pension Credit

Standard minimum guarantee

Single: £238.00 (from £227.10)
Couple: £363.25 (from £346.60)

Additional amount for severe disability

Single: £86.05 (from £82.90)
Couple (one qualifies): £86.05 (from £82.90)
Couple (both qualify): £172.10 (from £165.75)
Additional amount for carers: £48.15 (from £46.40)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Daily Living component

Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Mobility component

Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)

State Pension

New State Pension

Full rate: £241.30 (from £230.25)

Old/Basic State Pension

Category A or B Basic State Pension: £184.90 (from £176.45)
Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)
Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)

Full details on Additional State Pension, Widows Pension, increments and Invalidity Allowance can be found on GOV.UK.