April 2025 marks the implementation of updated DWP Universal Credit payment rates. Following the annual review, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a 1.7% increase in Universal Credit and inflation-linked benefits to align with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). These updates aim to provide better financial support for UK citizens amid ongoing economic challenges.
Universal Credit Rates for 2025/26
To reflect the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate of 1.7% recorded in September 2024, Universal Credit standard allowances will increase as follows:
| Category | 2024/25 Rate | 2025/26 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Single under 25 | £311.68/month | £316.98/month |
| Single 25 and over | £393.45/month | £400.14/month |
| Joint claimants under 25 | £489.23/month | £497.55/month |
| Joint claimants 25 and over | £617.60/month | £628.10/month |
These increases will provide enhanced financial stability for claimants, particularly those on low incomes.
DWP Universal Credit Payment Dates with New Increase 2025
Remember that assessments started before April will be paid at the previous rates, even if they start on April 7. If your assessment period is April 7 to May 6, you’ll miss the increased rates by one day and they won’t be applied to your new payment.
| Particular | Payment will arrive on |
| 8th to 7th (paid 14th) | May 14 |
| 9th to 8th (paid 15th) | May 15 |
| 10th to 9th (paid 16th) | May 16 |
| 11th to 10th (paid 17th) | May 17 |
| 12th to 11th (paid 18th) | May 18 |
| 13th to 12th (paid 19th) | May 19 |
| 14th to 13th (paid 20th) | May 20 |
| 15th to 14th (paid 21st) | May 21 |
| 16th to 15th (paid 22nd) | May 22 |
| 17th to 16th (paid 23rd) | May 23 |
| 18th to 17th (paid 24th) | May 24 |
| 19th to 18th (paid 25th) | May 25 |
| 20th to 19th (paid 26th) | May 26 |
| 21st to 20th (paid 27th) | May 27 |
| 22nd to 21st (paid 28th) | May 28 |
| 23rd to 22nd (paid 29th) | May 29 |
| 24th to 23rd (paid 30th) | May 30 |
| 25th to 24th (paid 31st) | May 31 |
| 26th to 25th (paid 1st) | June 1 |
| 27th to 26th (paid 2nd) | June 2 |
| 28th to 27th (paid 3rd) | June 3 |
| 29th to 28th (paid 4th) | June 4 |
| 30th to 29th (paid 5th) | June 5 |
| 31st to 30th (paid 6th) | June 6 |
| 1st to 31st (paid 7th) | June 7 |
| 2nd to 1st (paid 8th) | June 8 |
| 3rd to 2nd (paid 9th) | June 9 |
| 4th to 3rd (paid 10th) | June 10 |
| 5th to 4th (paid 11th) | June 11 |
| 6th to 5th (paid 12th) | June 12 |
| 7th to 6th (paid 13th) | June 13 |
Payments are made monthly and arrive on the same date each month. If the payment date falls on a weekend, payments are issued the preceding Friday. First payments usually take five weeks to process. For those in urgent need, an advance payment can be requested during this waiting period.
How is the DWP Universal Credit Paid?
Every month, payments for Universal Credit are paid on the same day. You will be paid the day before if it occurs on a weekend.
Usually, it is deposited straight into your building society or bank account. For assistance in opening a bank or building society account, if you do not already have one, contact the Universal Credit helpdesk at 0800 328 5644.
You will often have to wait five weeks to get your first payment. If you want money now, you may request an advance on this initial payment. Using your online account, you may see how much and when you’re going to get paid.
Eligibility Criteria for Universal Credit
Universal Credit is designed to assist individuals and families with low incomes or those in need of financial support due to unemployment, disabilities, or caring responsibilities. To qualify for Universal Credit, applicants must:
- Live in the UK.
- Be aged 18 or over (exceptions apply for certain 16- and 17-year-olds).
- Be below the State Pension age.
- Have £16,000 or less in savings and investments.
How to Apply for Universal Credit
Applications can be made online or by calling the Universal Credit hotline at 0800 328 5644. Applicants will need:
- A valid email address and phone number.
- Bank or building society account details.
- Identification documents such as a passport or driver’s licence.
Couples who live together must create linked accounts for joint claims. Some applicants may need to attend a meeting with Universal Credit staff, either in person or over the phone, to complete their application.
Other Benefits and Adjustments
Several other working-age and disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), will also rise by 1.7% from April 2025.
In addition to Universal Credit, other inflation-linked benefits and tax credits will also increase by 1.7% from April 2025. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviews benefit levels annually to ensure they align with inflation and other economic indicators.
State Pension Increases for 2025
The new State Pension and the basic State Pension will also see significant increases in April 2025. These adjustments are based on the Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) index for May–July 2024:
- New State Pension: Weekly rate increases from £221.20 to £230.25.
- Basic State Pension: Weekly rate rises from £169.50 to £176.45.
Enhanced Childcare Support
Parents receiving Universal Credit can now claim increased allowances for childcare expenses. In addition to financial assistance, families will benefit from up to 30 hours of free childcare per week. This initiative is designed to help parents work more hours without the burden of high childcare costs, enabling greater financial independence.
