DWP Benefits Changes April 2024 (Archive) — What Changed That Year
Archived record of the April 2024 DWP benefit uprating: rates, rule changes, and what they meant at the time for Universal Credit, PIP, and other benefits. For current 2026/27 rates, see our up-to-date rate guides.
Benefits information is based on current DWP and HMRC rules. Entitlements depend on your personal circumstances. For free personalised help, contact Citizens Advice or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Contents
This page is an archived record of the April 2024 benefit uprating. It is now more than two years out of date — DWP benefits have since been uprated again in April 2025 and April 2026. The figures below reflect only what changed in 2024/25 and should not be used for current budgeting. For current 2026/27 rates, see: ESA Rates 2026/27, Attendance Allowance Rates 2026/27, DLA Rates 2026/27, JSA Rates 2026/27, and the Legacy Benefits hub. We keep this page online as a historical reference for what changed that year.
DWP benefit rates and rules change each year. Here’s what changed for 2024/25 (archived — see the links above for current figures).
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 (April 2024, historical)
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 (April 2024, historical)
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 (April 2024, historical)
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 (April 2024, historical)
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 (April 2024, historical)
Rates (April 2024)
Rate
Amount
Weekly amount
£81.90
Annual
£4,259
Earnings limit
£151/week
Benefit Cap
Cap Amounts (April 2024 — unchanged through 2026/27)
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)
The benefit cap has not increased since April 2024 — this is confirmed as still the applicable cap for 2026/27, unlike most other benefit rates on this page.
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
Note: LHA rates were frozen again after the April 2024 uprating. Check gov.uk or your local council for current LHA rates in your area.