Latest DWP benefit changes and rates for 2024/25. New payment amounts, rule changes, and what they mean for your Universal Credit, PIP, and other benefits.
·3 min read
DWP benefit rates and rules change each year. Here’s what’s different for 2024/25.
Benefit Rate Increases
April 2024 Uprating
Benefit Category
Increase
Most DWP benefits
6.7%
State Pension
8.5%
Pension Credit
8.5%
Based on
September 2023 CPI (6.7%)
State Pension
Triple lock (highest of 2.5%, inflation, or wages)
Why 6.7%?
Factor
Explanation
CPI in September 2023
6.7%
Used to calculate
April 2024 rates
Annual process
Benefits uprated each April
Universal Credit Rates
Standard Allowance (April 2024)
Claimant Type
Monthly Amount
Single under 25
£311.68
Single 25 or over
£393.45
Couple both under 25
£489.23
Couple (one or both 25+)
£617.60
Child Elements
Element
Monthly Amount
First child (born before 6 April 2017)
£333.33
First child (born on/after 6 April 2017)
£287.92
Second child
£287.92
Subsequent children
£287.92 (two-child limit applies)
Disabled child element
£156.11 (lower) / £487.58 (higher)
Other Elements
Element
Monthly Amount
Limited capability for work (LCWRA)
£416.19
Carer element
£198.31
Childcare (max 1 child)
£1,014.63
Childcare (max 2+ children)
£1,739.37
Work Allowances
Situation
Monthly Allowance
Not receiving housing support
£673
Receiving housing support
£404
55p deducted from UC for every £1 earned over allowance.
State Pension
New State Pension (April 2024)
Rate
Weekly Amount
Annual
Full rate
£221.20
£11,502
Increase
8.5%
—
Basic State Pension
Rate
Weekly Amount
Annual
Full basic
£169.50
£8,814
Pension Credit
Component
Weekly Amount
Standard Minimum Guarantee (single)
£218.15
Standard Minimum Guarantee (couple)
£332.95
Severe Disability Addition (single)
£81.50
Carer Addition
£45.60
PIP Rates
Daily Living Component (April 2024)
Rate
Weekly Amount
Standard rate
£72.65
Enhanced rate
£108.55
Mobility Component
Rate
Weekly Amount
Standard rate
£28.70
Enhanced rate
£75.75
Maximum PIP
Combination
Weekly Total
Both enhanced
£184.30
Annual maximum
£9,584
Disability Living Allowance
Care Component (April 2024)
Rate
Weekly Amount
Lowest rate
£28.70
Middle rate
£72.65
Highest rate
£108.55
Mobility Component
Rate
Weekly Amount
Lower rate
£28.70
Higher rate
£75.75
Carer’s Allowance
Rates (April 2024)
Rate
Amount
Weekly amount
£81.90
Annual
£4,259
Earnings limit
£151/week
Benefit Cap
Cap Amounts (April 2024)
Location
Couples/Lone Parents
Single Without Children
Outside London
£22,020/year (£423/week)
£14,753/year (£284/week)
Greater London
£25,323/year (£487/week)
£16,967/year (£326/week)
Exemptions from Cap
Exempt If…
Details
Working
Earn enough to claim Working Tax Credit equivalent
Receiving certain benefits
PIP, DLA, ESA (support group)
Carer’s Allowance
Receiving or entitled
Guardian’s Allowance
Receiving
Local Housing Allowance
Key Change 2024
Feature
Details
Unfrozen
After years frozen
Re-linked
To 30th percentile of local rents
Effect
Higher allowance for renters
First increase
Since April 2020
What This Means
Before
After
LHA frozen at 2020 rates
LHA reflects 2023 rents
Gap between LHA and rent
Smaller gap (for many)
Struggling renters
Some relief
Other Key Changes
Health and Disability Assessments
Change
Details
Fit Note changes
Wider range of professionals can issue
Assessment reform
Government reviewing WCA
PIP reform
Under consultation
Fraud and Error Measures
Change
Details
New powers
DWP can investigate more
Data sharing
Increased
Reviews
More frequent checks
Work-Related Changes
Change
Details
Administrative earnings threshold
May change requirements
Claimant commitments
May be updated
Work coach expectations
Possible changes
Summary: Key 2024/25 Figures
Quick Reference
Payment
Amount
UC Single 25+
£393.45/month
UC Couple 25+
£617.60/month
State Pension (full new)
£221.20/week
PIP enhanced daily living
£108.55/week
PIP enhanced mobility
£75.75/week
Carer’s Allowance
£81.90/week
Benefit cap (couple, non-London)
£423/week
Important Dates
Date
Event
April 2024
New rates apply
September 2024
CPI measured for April 2025 rates
April 2025
Next uprating
Benefits rates change yearly. Check gov.uk for personal calculations and eligibility.