Millions of benefit and State Pension recipients face a delay in receiving increased payment rates, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed.
The changes will impact over 12 million pensioners, alongside millions more receiving other state benefits.
While new rates will officially take effect from April 7, 2025, most claimants won't see higher payments in their accounts until May.
The delay is due to most benefits being paid four weeks in arrears, affecting payments across various support schemes including Universal Credit and disability benefits.
Those receiving weekly or fortnightly State Pension payments will be among the first to see the increased rates in their accounts.
Liz Kendall has confirmed the State Pension will increase by 4.1 per cent in line with average weekly earnings from May-July 2024.
Pensioners could be waiting longer for higher payments
GETTYOther benefits will see a smaller rise of 1.7 per cent, matching the consumer prices index increase to September 2024.
This includes Universal Credit and other benefits linked to labour market participation.
The full yearly rate of the new state pension will increase by over £470 when the changes take effect.
The increases will apply across Great Britain, with certain benefits devolved in Scotland.
Universal Credit recipients may face the longest wait, as payments depend on individual assessment periods that run month-to-month.
The payment schedule affects all major benefits, including Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance.
Similar arrangements apply to devolved benefits in Scotland, such as Adult Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment, where most payments are also made in arrears.
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The new State Pension rate will rise to £230.25 per week, or £11,973 a year.
The basic State Pension will be £176.45 per week, or £9,175 per year.
Universal Credit will see monthly increases, with single claimants under 25 receiving £316.98 and those over 25 getting £400.14.
For couples on Universal Credit, joint claimants both under 25 will receive £497.55, while those with one or both over 25 will get £628.10.
Personal Independence Payment rates will increase to £110.40 for enhanced daily living and £77.05 for enhanced mobility components.
Attendance Allowance will rise to £110.40 for the higher rate and £73.90 for the lower rate.
Pension Credit's standard minimum guarantee will increase to £227.10 for singles and £346.60 for couples
GETTYPension Credit's standard minimum guarantee will increase to £227.10 for singles and £346.60 for couples.
Scottish claimants on devolved benefits including Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment and Pension Age Disability Payment will see the same 1.7 per cent increase from April.
The DWP has confirmed that local housing allowance rates for 2025/26 will remain at their 2024/25 levels. This follows their previous increase in April 2024.
The benefit cap will also be maintained at 2024/25 levels, with no review planned for 2025/26.
Full details of all benefit rates, including additional payments and new deduction rates, can be found on the GOV.UK website.
