Introduction
Universal Credit is a lifeline for millions of people across the UK, providing financial support for those on low incomes, out of work, or unable to work. Each April, payments rise to reflect the cost of living through a process called uprating. If you’re wondering, “How much is Universal Credit going up in 2025/2026?”, the answer is clear: from April 2025, Universal Credit will rise by 4.6%, in line with the September 2024 inflation figure.
This increase will apply to the standard allowance as well as extra amounts for children, disabilities, and carers. Let’s explore exactly what this means for you.
What is Universal Credit And Why Does it Increase Each Year?
Universal Credit combines six legacy benefits into a single monthly payment. It was designed to simplify the system and provide tailored support to different households, including single adults, couples, families with children, and those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.
The annual increase is not arbitrary. By law, the government must review benefits each year, and most are uprated in line with the September CPI inflation figure. This ensures that support does not fall behind the real-world cost of essential goods and services.
As the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has explained, this policy exists to maintain fairness: when inflation rises, benefit levels must rise too.
How Much is Universal Credit Going Up in 2025/2026?
Universal Credit payments will rise by 4.6% from April 2025. This percentage reflects the September 2024 inflation rate.
Here are the confirmed 2025/26 Universal Credit standard allowances:
| Claimant Type | 2024/25 Rate | 2025/26 Rate | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single under 25 | £311.68 | £325.00 | +£13.32 |
| Single 25 or over | £393.45 | £411.55 | +£18.10 |
| Couple both under 25 | £486.16 | £508.55 | +£22.39 |
| Couple one or both over 25 | £617.60 | £645.00 | +£27.40 |
This means a single adult over 25 will now receive £411.55 a month, while a couple over 25 will receive £645.00 a month.
How Will the Universal Credit Increase Affect Different Groups?
The 4.6% rise applies across all elements of Universal Credit, so the impact differs by household type.
How much more will single claimants get?
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Under 25: £311.68 → £325.00
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25 or over: £393.45 → £411.55
For single claimants, this means between £160–£217 extra per year.
How much more will couples get?
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Both under 25: £486.16 → £508.55
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One or both 25+: £617.60 → £645.00
For couples, this means between £268–£328 more each year.
How will families with children benefit?
Parents receive additional child elements on top of the standard allowance. These are also rising by 4.6%:
| Child Element | 2024/25 Rate | 2025/26 Rate | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| First child (before 6 April 2017) | £333.33 | £348.65 | +£15.32 |
| First child (on/after 6 April 2017) | £287.92 | £301.15 | +£13.23 |
| Additional children | £287.92 | £301.15 | +£13.23 |
A family with two children (born after April 2017) will receive £26.46 more each month in addition to the higher standard allowance.
When Will the Universal Credit Increase Take Effect?
The new rates apply from 6 April 2025, but you may not see the increase straight away. It depends on your assessment period.
For example:
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If your period runs from 15 March to 14 April, your higher payment will appear in May 2025.
This delay is normal and does not affect your entitlement.
How Does the 2025/2026 Increase Compare to Last Year?
In April 2024, Universal Credit rose by 6.7%, reflecting higher inflation. In 2025/26, the increase is 4.6%, showing that while prices are still rising, inflation is easing.
| Year | September CPI | Universal Credit Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 6.7% | 6.7% |
| 2025/26 | 4.6% | 4.6% |
So, while claimants still get a real boost, the rise is smaller than last year.
What Else is Changing With Benefits in 2025/2026?
Alongside Universal Credit, several other benefits are also uprated each April, including:
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Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Housing Benefit
For Universal Credit specifically, updates may also affect:
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Housing support – through adjustments to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates.
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Work allowances – the amount you can earn before your Universal Credit is reduced.
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Deductions – repayment levels for advances and debts may be reviewed.
Keeping track of these parallel changes is vital, as they can have a direct impact on your household budget.
How Can Claimants Check Their New Universal Credit Payment?
The increase will apply automatically. You do not need to reapply or report any changes. To confirm your new entitlement:
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Log in to your Universal Credit online account.
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Open your monthly statement.
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Compare the “standard allowance” line before and after April 2025.
If your payment does not look correct, you can send a message via your journal, contact the Universal Credit helpline, or ask Citizens Advice for assistance.
What should you do if the Universal Credit increase isn’t enough?
Although the uprating provides welcome relief, many households will still find their income stretched. If your payment does not cover essentials, you can:
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Apply for Cost of Living Payments if you meet the eligibility criteria.
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Check if you qualify for Council Tax Support or Discretionary Housing Payments through your local council.
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Seek help from Citizens Advice, StepChange, or MoneyHelper for budgeting support.
Consumer champion Martin Lewis advises:
“Never assume the system is paying you everything you’re entitled to — millions miss out each year simply by not checking.”
Conclusion: What does the Universal Credit increase mean for you?
So, how much is Universal Credit going up in 2025/2026? Payments will rise by the same percentage as the September 2024 inflation rate, ensuring households on low incomes receive extra support from April 2025 onwards.
The rise will not remove the pressures of high living costs entirely, but it does provide additional help for single adults, couples, families with children, and those with health conditions or caring responsibilities.
Claimants should check their online statements carefully and make use of other available support where necessary. Staying informed is the best way to ensure you receive your full entitlement.
FAQs
How much is Universal Credit going up to in April 2025?
Universal Credit will rise by 4.6% from April 2025. For example, a single person over 25 will receive £411.55 per month, while a couple over 25 will receive £645.00 per month.
How much does Universal Credit go up in 2025?
All standard allowances and additional elements (children, carers, disabilities) will increase by 4.6%. This means most claimants will receive between £13 and £27 more per month, depending on their circumstances.
Will Universal Credit go up in April 2026?
Yes, Universal Credit is reviewed every year. The April 2026 rates will be based on the September 2025 CPI inflation figure, which the government will confirm in the Autumn Statement 2025.
What are the Universal Credit benefit rates for 2025 to 2026?
The main monthly rates from April 2025 are:
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Single under 25: £325.00
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Single 25 or over: £411.55
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Couple both under 25: £508.55
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Couple one or both over 25: £645.00
Additional amounts include:
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First child (before 6 April 2017): £348.65
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First child (on/after 6 April 2017): £301.15
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Carer element: £194.40
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Limited capability for work & work-related activity: £435.35
Is there an extra Universal Credit payment in 2025?
There is no separate one-off Cost of Living Payment confirmed for 2025. However, all Universal Credit claimants will benefit from the 4.6% uprating applied to their regular payments. If additional support schemes are announced, they will be set out in the Autumn Statement or Spring Budget.
