This is how much Universal Credit payments will go up in April

Wednesday, 1st April 2020, 2:19 pm
Updated Friday, 3rd April 2020, 12:21 pm
Universal Credit payments will be given a boost from April (Photo: Shutterstock)

People who receive Universal Credit will see a boost to their payments from April, as the benefit is given a 1.7 per cent rise.

The increase will see around 2.5 million households better off following a five year freeze on the amount payable.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a payment that is made to help those who are on a low income, or out of work, with living costs.

It is paid in monthly installments, or twice a month for some people in Scotland.


Anyone who previously received any of these benefits does not need to do anything to move across to Universal Credit, unless your circumstances have changed, or you are contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).


How much will Universal Credit increase?

All working age benefits payments will rise by 1.7 per cent on from April 2020, marking the first time they have increased since 2015.


This increase will apply to all new and existing claimants.

Single Universal Credit claimants aged under 25 will see payments go up from £251.77 per month to £342.74.

Single claimants aged over 25 will see a rise from £317.82 per month to £409.89.

Joint claimants who are both under 25 will get an increase from £395.20 per month to £488.59, while those over 25 will see a rise from £498.89 per month to £594.04.

Who is eligible for Universal Credit?


- you’re on a low income or unemployed

- you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)

- you’re under State Pension age (or your partner is)

- you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you

- you live in the UK



To check your eligibility for Universal Credit, visit

How to claim


To do this, you will require:


- do not have one on 0800 328 5644)

- an email address

- information about your housing, such as how much rent you pay

- details of your income, such as payslips

- details of savings and any investments, like shares or a property that you rent out

- details of how much you pay for childcare if you’re applying for help with childcare costs

