Universal Credit
If you're on a low income or you're out of work, you might be able to claim Universal Credit to boost your income.
Benefit rates 2024-25
Every year, many benefits rates change. This page outlines some of the most notable changes this year and where to go for more information.
Changes to your pension
You don't get your State Pension automatically, you have to claim it. You should receive a letter about this no later than 2 months before you reach State Pension age.
Increases to the new State Pension
You can now get up to £221.20 per week depending on the National Insurance contributions you made during your working years.
Increases to the old State Pension
The full State Pension under the old rules is now £169.50 per week for people with at least 30 years of NI contributions.
Increases to Pension Credit
Guarantee Credit can now top up your income to at least £218.15 per week for single people and £332.95 for couples.
Savings Credit is now up to £17.01 extra per week for single people or £19.04 extra per week for couples.
Changes to benefits for your wellbeing
Whether you need support during the day, at night or both, or you're a carer that helps support someone else, you could be entitled to some extra money each week.
Increases in Attendance Allowance
This is now £72.65 per week if you need help in the day or at night, and £108.55 per week if you need help in the day and at night.
Increases in Carer’s Allowance
This is now £81.90 per week if you care for someone.
Increase in Widowed Parent’s Allowance
This is now £148.40 per week as long as you're still receiving Child Benefit.
Bereavement benefits have been extended – you no longer need to have been married or in a civil partnership with your partner to claim Bereavement Support Payment (BSP).
Changes to benefits for your home
What you might be entitled to for some of these benefits depends on certain criteria. Some of these rates haven't changed for 2024-25 but it's worth checking if you might be entitled to any for the first time this year.
Council Tax Reduction
Also known as Council Tax Support. This varies depending on certain criteria and your circumstances, but it may cover your Council Tax in full.
Housing Benefit
This varies depending on certain criteria and your circumstances, but it may cover your rent in full.
Winter Fuel Payment
This remains one annual payment and can be up to £300 depending on your age and who you live with.
Cold Weather Payment
This remains £25 per week when the weather has been, or is expected to be, freezing or below for 7 days in a row between November and March.
Warm Home Discount
This is a one-off discount on your energy bill from your supplier.
Changes to benefits if you're working age
If you haven't yet reached State Pension age, or you're a couple and one of you is yet to reach State Pension age, you might be entitled to benefits for working-age people.
Changes to Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
The weekly rates for both the care and mobility components have increased.
Changes to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
This has increased to £90.50 per week if you’re single and £142.25 per week if you’re a couple.
Changes to Income Support
This has increased to £90.50 per week if you’re single and £142.25 per week if you’re a couple.
Changes to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
This has increased to £90.50 per week if you’re single and £142.25 per week if you’re a couple.
Changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The daily living component has increased to £72.65 for the standard rate and £108.55 for the enhanced rate. The mobility component has increased to £28.70 for the standard rate and £75.75 for the enhanced rate.
Changes to Universal Credit
The basic standard allowances for Universal Credit are £393.45 per month if you’re single and £617.60 per month if you’re a couple.
Are you entitled to extra money?
Do you know what benefits you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can help you quickly and easily find out what you could be claiming.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.