UNIVERSAL Credit payments have increased providing some welcome relief to hard-up residents.
It comes after the five-year benefits freeze ended last week, meaning 2.5million households on Universal Credit and legacy benefits are now better off following the rise announcement last October.
Extra coronavirus measures aimed at helping struggling families stay afloat during the lockdown have also come into effect this week.
Those on Universal Credit will see another £20 a week added to payments on top of the previously announced rise.
The changes include increases in the Universal Credit standard allowance and Working Tax Credits, as well as a suspension of the Universal Credit minimum income floor.
For more information visit – http://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
This is how the standard allowance is changing:
Single, under 25 – rising from £251.77 to £342.72 (equivalent to £4,112.64 a year)
Single, 25 or over – rising from £317.82 to £409.89 (equivalent to £4,918.68 a year)
Couple, joint claimants both under 25 – rising from £395.20 to £488.59 (equivalent to £5,863.08 a year)
Couple, joint claimants, one or both 25 or over – rising from £498.89 to £594.04 (equivalent to £7,128.48 a year)
Universal Credit is a monthly or bi-monthly payment designed to assist you with your living costs.
