The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit payment rates will increase from April 7, but many claimants face a wait to see the extra cash in their accounts.
As it stands, nearly 13 million elderly individuals on the state pension will receive a 4.1 per cent boost next month with those on working age or disability benefits getting a smaller 1.7 per cent increase.
Universal Credit, PIP, Carer's Allowance and other benefits are all set to rise from the same date. Despite the official April start date, most benefit recipients will not receive higher payments immediately.
The delay in receiving increased payments is due to most benefits being paid four weeks in arrears.
While the DWP implements new rates on April 7, some claimants will not see higher amounts until May or June.
Some state pension recipients who get weekly or fortnightly payments may see increases sooner. For Universal Credit claimants, the wait could be even longer, potentially until June.
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Universal Credit payments are to rise next month but claimants may need to wait before getting the extra cash
GETTYThis is because Universal Credit operates on monthly assessment periods tied to specific dates. If your assessment period begins before April 7, your entire payment will be calculated using old rates.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Money Box, the Government department warned that Universal Credit claimants should prepare for a prolonged wait for their payment boost.
Programme researcher Sandra Hardial shared: "The six million people on Universal Credit face the longest wait.
"The DWP has told Money Box that none of them will get the higher rate before the May 14 and some will have to wait until June 13."
Despite this potential for claimants, the DWP has confirmed that backpay will be awarded for those experiencing delays.
Universal Credit is paid seven days after a four-week assessment period, during which the DWP evaluates your financial situation.
To benefit from the new rates, your assessment period must start after April 7.
Universal Credit is paid seven days after a four-week assessment period, during which the DWP evaluates your financial situation.
With the upcoming increase, single claimants aged 25 or over will see their payments go from £393.45 a month to £400.14; an extra £6.69 monthly.
Recipients who are single in the same age bracket with a limited capability for work and work-related activity will have Universal Credit payments jump from £809.64 to £823.41, which is a hike of £13.77 each month.
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Payment rate changes are coming to the benefit system
PASingle parents aged over 25, with one child born before April 6, 2027 will get a £11.58 monthly boost to £692.25 with the upcoming changes.
Couples, with two child born or after this same date, will see their payments go from £1,193.44 a month to £1,213.72.
Claimants are being reminded their assessment period must begin after April 7 to benefit from the new rates.
If someone's assessment begins on or after this date, they will not be able to receive this payment rate hike until May or June.
