All state pension and DWP benefit rises set for 2026 - what you need to know

Here’s a breakdown of all the increases planned by the DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed the proposed new weekly payment rates for those receiving the State Pension or benefits. Nearly 13 million pensioners will see their State Pension payments increase by 4.8 per cent from 6 April, while those on working age or disability benefits can anticipate a rise of 3.8 per cent.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden revealed the new payment rates shortly after Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented the Autumn Budget in Parliament on November 26. He also highlighted that the new Universal Credit Act 2025 means the Standard Allowance will go up by approximately £295 annually for a single person aged 25 or over, and around £465 for couples where one is aged 25 or over.

Additional State Pension payment components will go up by 3.8 per cent, while the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will rise by 4.8 per cent – mirroring the increase in average earnings. From April, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple.

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

As noted by the Daily Record, it’s crucial to remember that in Scotland, these are devolved matters and the annual adjustment will be announced at the Scottish Budget on 13 January, 2026.

However, individuals receiving devolved benefits such as Adult, Child or Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, are expected to see their annual payments rise in line with DWP to avoid a two-tier benefits system across Great Britain.

All social security, including State Pensions, is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland. Annual uprating letters are dispatched to all claimants before the new payment rates commence in April, informing people about the changes – it’s important to keep this in a safe place as it can often be used as evidence of benefit entitlement when applying for other forms of financial assistance.

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.