Critics argued that the uprate didn’t come close to supporting lower-income families still struggling to cope following a prolonged cost-of-living crisis.<\/p>\n
In March, the government announced new proposals \u2013 which became law earlier this month under the Universal Credit Act \u2013 that it was changing how it would decide any increase in the universal credit standard allowance<\/a>.<\/p>\n The new rules mean that – for the next four years – UC payments will increase by the rate of inflation as before, but with an additional top-up cash payment.<\/p>\n What does this mean for your next increase?<\/p>\n In April 2026, all universal claimants will see their payments rise by September’s rate of inflation (this figure will be announced in October), plus an additional 2.3%.<\/p>\n Therefore, if September’s inflation ends up being 2.5%, claimants will see their payments increase by 4.8%.<\/p>\n It is widely expected that this will mean single people over the age of 25 claiming the standard allowance will see their payments increase by \u00a37 per week to \u00a398.<\/p>\n Couples and those under the age of 25 who claim universal credit will also benefit from a standard allowance increase.<\/p>\n The the follow years, the government has committed to increase UC payments by inflation plus the following amounts on top of that:<\/p>\n The government says that, by 2029\/30, those claiming universal credit can expect to have received an additional \u00a3725 in total \u2013 though any final amount will depend on each claimant.<\/p>\n What about changes to the health element of universal credit? Demonstrators took to the streets to protest the health top-up changes (Getty)<\/p>\n The health top-up element of universal credit \u2013 which is claimed by around 3 million people \u2013 will be treated differently to the standard allowance.<\/p>\n Current claimants will see their payments increase in line with the rate of inflation in September, which will be announced next month.<\/p>\n However, for those who start claiming the health top-up element<\/a> after April 2026, the monthly rate they are eligible for will drop from around \u00a3423 to approximately \u00a3217. This amount will remain the same until 2030.<\/p>\n The change was part of significant \u2013 and controversial \u2013 wide-ranging reforms unveiled by Rachel Reeves during the budget in March.<\/p>\n Labour’s new work and pensions secretary, Pat McFadden<\/a>, has signalled there are more changes to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n
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