Overview
- Ministers confirmed in Parliament that State Pension payments rise by 4.8% from April, worth about £575 a year for a full new State Pension, taking it to £241.30 a week (£184.90 for the basic rate).
- Universal Credit standard allowances increase to £338.58 (single under 25), £424.90 (single 25+), and £666.97 (couples 25+), with the health top‑up for new claims cut to £50 a week from April and protections maintained for severe or terminal cases.
- Roughly four million households are expected to gain about £725 a year under the Universal Credit Act changes, though most claimants will see the higher amounts in May because payments are made in arrears.
- Disability benefits rise from April, including PIP daily living enhanced to £114.60 and mobility enhanced to £80.00, while Carer’s Allowance increases to £86.45 a week with an earnings limit of £204.
- The benefit cap stays frozen for 2026/27, the over‑80 Category D pension increases to £110.75 a week, Child Benefit for the eldest child rises to £27 a week, and Martin Lewis highlights a 5 April cutoff to correct missing NI credits that could affect future pensions.