Universal credit to rise by up to £350 a year as inflation pushes benefit increases
Benefit claimants can expect at least a 3.5% rise in universal credit next April, with most seeing around a 4.3% increase due to a statutory uplift.
September's consumer price index climbed to 3.5%, the highest in almost a year, according to the Office for National Statistics. This figure is used by ministers to determine benefit adjustments for the following year, meaning universal credit will increase by at least that amount. Because a law mandates the standard allowance to grow faster than inflation, most claimants are projected to receive roughly a 4.3% rise.
The exact rates will be announced during the Budget, scheduled for 28 October, when Chancellor John Healey presents the numbers. In parallel, child benefit, carers' allowance and other working-age benefits will be lifted in line with the same inflation rate, while the state pension will rise under the triple-lock mechanism, which currently points to a rise to about £250.70 a week.
Why it matters
Higher universal credit payments will affect millions of households facing rising living costs.
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