Delay to DWP Universal Credit rise for millions of people

DWP Universal Credit payments went up by 1.7% from April 7, following the autumn budget.

But Universal Credit is calculated on an “assessment period” for the previous calendar month. This “assessment period” is used to calculate how much Universal Credit claimants get, based on any earnings or deductions in this period.

Benefits including Child Benefits, Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) all increased by the same 1.7% figure. Pension age benefits will go up by 4.1%, in line with the triple lock.

What is Universal Credit and when is it rolling out?

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s usually paid monthly – or twice a month for some people in Scotland.

It is still rolling out for claimants on some benefits, with a gradual changeover still taking place.

It is paid to those on a low income, out of work or cannot work.
It is gradually replacing the following benefits and tax credits:

Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Income Support
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Working Tax Credit

There’s no need for claimants to apply for the increased benefit payment as Universal Credit will continue to be paid directly into their bank accounts.