Exact date DWP will increase State Pension, PIP or other benefit payments

Linda Howard

Wed 21 January 2026 at 8:05 am UTC

6 min read

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced the proposed new weekly payment rates for people in receipt of the State Pension or benefits. Nearly 13 million older people on the State Pension will see payments rise by 4.8 per cent from April 6 while those on working age or disability benefits can expect an uplift of 3.8 per cent.

The new payment rates start on the first Monday after the start of the financial year, however, for 2026/27 this is the same date - Monday April 6. It's also important to be aware that most payments are issued in arrears so most people will not see the uplift straight away.

Annual uprating letters are sent out to all claimants before the new payment rates begin, letting people know about the changes - it’s important to keep this somewhere safe as it can often be used as proof of benefit entitlement when applying for other streams of financial support.

• New devolved benefit payment rates for pensioners, disabled people and families from April

• DWP payment uprating delay for people on State Pension, PIP, Universal Credit or other benefits

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden recently shared the new payment rates. He also said the new Universal Credit Act 2025 means the Standard Allowance will increase by around £295 a year for a single person aged 25 or over and around £465 for couples, where one is aged 25 or over.

Additional State Pension payment elements will rise by 3.8 per cent while the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8 per cent - in line with the increase in average earnings. From April 6, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple.

In England and Wales, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other benefits to help with additional needs arising from disability, and the rate of Carer’s Allowance, will also increase by 3.8 per cent.

It’s important to be aware that in Scotland, these are devolved matters and set by the Scottish Government.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison confirmed on January 13 that devolved benefits such as Adult, Child or Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment and Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, will increase by 3.8 per cent - the same rate as DWP benefits.

New DWP payment rates 2026/27

Weekly rates are shown, unless otherwise stated and have been listed in alphabetical order to make it easier to find the payment relevant to your own situation.

A full breakdown of all benefits, including additional payments, the benefit cap and new deduction rates can be found on GOV.UK.

Attendance Allowance

Higher rate: £114.60 (from £110.40)
Lower rate: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Carer’s Allowance

April 2026 weekly payment rate: £86.45 (from £83.30)
Weekly earnings threshold: £204.00 (from £196.00)

Disability Living Allowance

Daily Care component

Highest: £114.60 (from £110.40)
Middle: £76.70 (from £73.90)
Lowest: £30.30 (from £29.20)

Mobility component

Higher: £77.05 (from £80.00)
Lower: £30.30 (from £29.20)

Contributory and New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Single, under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Single, 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Lone parent, under 18: £95.55 (from £72.90)
Lone parent, over 18: £92.05 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18: £75.65 from (72.90)
Couple, both under 18 with child: £111.35 (from £110.15)
Couple, both under 18 (main phase): £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18 with child (main phase): £150.15 (from £144.65)
Couple, both over 18: £150.15 (from £144.65)

Full details on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.

Income Support

Single, under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Single, 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Lone parent, under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Lone parent, 18 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Couple, both under 18 - higher rate: £114.35 (from £110.15)
Couple, one under 18, one under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Couple, one under 18, one 25 and over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both 18 or over: £150.15 (from £144.65)

Full details on additional premiums by age and household circumstances can be found on GOV.UK.

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Contribution based JSA

Under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)

Income-based JSA

Under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)

Lone parent

Under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
18 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Couple, both under 18 - higher rate: £114.35 (from £11.15)
Couple, one under 18, one under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
Couple, one under 18, one 25 and over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
Couple, both 18 or over: £150.15 (from £144.65)

Full details on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.

Maternity Allowance

Standard rate: £194.32 (from £187.18)

Pension Credit

Standard minimum guarantee

Single: £238.00 (from £227.10)
Couple: £363.25 (from £346.60)

Additional amount for severe disability

Single: £86.05 (from £82.90)
Couple (one qualifies): £86.05 (from £82.90)
Couple (both qualify): £172.10 (from £165.75)
Additional amount for carers: £48.15 (from £46.40)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Daily Living component

Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Mobility component

Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)

State Pension

New State Pension

Full rate: £241.30 (from £230.25)

Old/Basic State Pension

Category A or B Basic State Pension: £184.90 (from £176.45)
Category B (lower) Basic State Pension - spouse or civil Partner's insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)
Category C or D - non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)

Full details on Additional State Pension, Widows Pension, increments and Invalidity Allowance can be found on GOV.UK.