DWP update: All the changes coming in April for Universal Credit (2024)

FAQs

Are benefits changing in 2024? ›

Throughout 2024 and 2025

The Department for Work and Pensions. See full definition (DWP) will continue the process of moving people from legacy benefits. See full definition to Universal Credit.

The benefits system is changing. If you currently get a benefit or tax credit that is ending, you will be asked to make a claim for Universal Credit instead. You will receive a letter when you need to Move to Universal Credit.

PIP rates increased by 6.7% for 2024/2025, in line with inflation. The 2024/2025 daily living component of PIP is worth £108.55 at the enhanced rate and £72.65 at the standard rate. The mobility component is worth £75.75 at the enhanced rate and £28.70 at the standard rate. You could get up to £184.30 a week.

How does Universal Credit affect PIP and DLA? If you're getting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), it will continue to be paid along with your Universal Credit payment. PIP is gradually replacing the Disability Living Allowance.

Universal Credit rates increased by 6.7% in April 2024, and qualifying claimants will begin receiving payments from 14 May while others will have to wait till June.

On 1 April 2024, all rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living Wage, will increase. These increases implement recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission in autumn 2023.

Roll-out to claimants of other legacy benefits

By the end of 2024/25, the DWP plans to migrate onto Universal Credit everyone getting: Income Support. income-based Job Seeker's Allowance. Housing Benefit.

The scam involved true claimants, who were usually looking for extra cash, being approached by fraudsters posing as jobcentre staff or personal loan advisors. Then, in return for helping them put in false information, the scammers took a cut of £500 a time from the advance payments of £1,500.

For each assessment period your Universal Credit is adjusted to take your wages into account. If you earn less in an assessment period, your Universal Credit will usually increase. If you earn more, your Universal Credit will usually reduce.

What is the new PIP payment in April? ›

PIP payments are divided into two components: Standard Living and Mobility. For those eligible for the enhanced rate for Standard Living, designed for individuals with more severe disabilities, the weekly payment will increase to £108.55, up by £6.80 from the previous £101.75 in the 2023-24 financial year.

If you currently get PIP , you'll be automatically moved to ADP by summer 2024. When the move begins, you'll get letters from DWP and Social Security Scotland.

The proposed changes are believed to include: Ending PIP assessment for people with the most serious health conditions, including those with terminal illnesses. Changes to current descriptors, especially those relating to aids and appliances.

What You'll Get. For the 2024/2025 financial year, the Carers Element of Universal Credit is worth £198.31 a month. This increased by 6.7% from £185.86 in April 2024. This amount will be paid on top of your Universal Credit payment and will go into the same account.

Yes, you can claim PIP and Universal Credit at the same time, many people do! However, if you are currently claiming ESA, you wouldn't need to change to UC just to claim PIP, as you can claim ESA znd PIP together too! ESA is a benefit for people who are too ill or disabled to work.

You don't have to claim Universal Credit if you don't want to, but once you get your migration notice your other old benefits will stop. If you rely on the income from your benefits to manage your household budget, you probably will want to claim Universal Credit so you can keep getting support.

Universal Credit is calculated based on your circ*mstances each month. These are called your 'assessment periods'. You'll usually get your Universal Credit payment 7 days after each monthly assessment period ends. Changes in your circ*mstances can affect how much you're paid for your assessment period.

Transitional protection is only available to two groups of people: People who are moved over to Universal Credit even though nothing has happened which makes them start a new benefit claim. These people are called ' managed migrants. See full definition '.

To summarise, the answer to the question, can Universal Credit check my bank account? is yes. If the DWP suspects benefit fraud, they have the legal right to gather information from your bank. This underscores the importance of honesty when dealing with Universal Credit claims to avoid potential fraud investigations.