Millions of UK citizens receiving State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and other benefits will see their payments increase from April 2025, as part of the annual benefits uprating by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The increases aim to help people cope with inflation and rising living costs. The State Pension will rise by 8.5%, following the triple lock guarantee, while Universal Credit and disability benefits will increase by 6.7%, in line with inflation.
Here’s everything you need to know about who is affected, how much more you will receive, and when the new rates take effect.
How Much Are Benefits Increasing in April 2025?
The DWP has confirmed the following benefit rate increases, which will take effect from April 8, 2025.
1. State Pension Increase (8.5%)
Under the triple lock system, State Pension payments will rise by 8.5%, benefiting millions of pensioners.
| State Pension Type | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| New State Pension (Full) | £203.85 | £221.20 |
| Basic State Pension (Full) | £156.20 | £169.50 |
2. Universal Credit Increase (6.7%)
Universal Credit payments will rise by 6.7%, supporting millions of low-income households.
| Universal Credit Claimant Type | Current Monthly Rate | New Monthly Rate (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Single under 25 | £292.11 | £311.68 |
| Single 25 or over | £368.74 | £393.45 |
| Couple (both under 25) | £458.51 | £489.23 |
| Couple (one or both 25 or over) | £578.82 | £617.60 |
3. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Increase (6.7%)
PIP, which supports people with long-term health conditions and disabilities, is also increasing.
| PIP Component | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living (Standard) | £68.10 | £72.65 |
| Daily Living (Enhanced) | £101.75 | £108.55 |
| Mobility (Standard) | £26.90 | £28.70 |
| Mobility (Enhanced) | £71.00 | £75.75 |
4. Pension Credit Increase (6.7%)
Pension Credit helps low-income pensioners. The new rates are:
| Pension Credit Type | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Guarantee Credit | £201.05 | £218.15 |
| Couple Guarantee Credit | £306.85 | £332.95 |
5. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Increase (6.7%)
ESA supports people unable to work due to illness or disability.
| ESA Type | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Single (25 or over) | £84.80 | £90.50 |
| Couple (both over 18) | £133.30 | £142.25 |
6. Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) Increase (6.7%)
JSA provides financial support for unemployed people actively seeking work.
| JSA Type | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | £67.20 | £71.70 |
| Over 25 | £84.80 | £90.50 |
Why Are Benefits Increasing?
The government raises benefits annually based on inflation and wage growth. This year’s 6.7% increase is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate from September 2023.
Meanwhile, State Pension increases follow the triple lock guarantee, ensuring pensioners receive the highest increase out of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%.
When Will You See the Higher Payments?
- New rates apply from April 8, 2025.
- Most payments will increase automatically.
- Universal Credit claimants will see the increase in their April payment cycle.
Final Thoughts
The April 2025 benefit increases will provide much-needed financial relief to millions of UK households affected by the cost of living crisis.
If you receive State Pension, Universal Credit, PIP, or other benefits, you do not need to take any action—your payments will increase automatically.
However, if you are struggling financially, consider checking for additional benefits you may qualify for.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for The Octant, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin