Benefits news in 2024
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- December 2024
Welfare Supplementary Payment schemes extended to 31 March 2028
The Minister for Communities has extended Northern Ireland's Welfare Supplementary Payment mitigation schemes, which were due to end on 31 March 2025, for a further three years to 31 March 2028.
Budgeting Advance repayment period extended to 24 months
Budgeting Advance loans taken out from December 2024 can be repaid over 24 months rather than 12, under a change announced in the March 2024 Budget.
Scottish Budget 2024 unveiled at Holyrood
Shona Robison's Scottish Budget raises income tax thresholds, funds a new pensioner winter payment and sets out plans to scrap the two-child benefit cap from 2026.
December 2024 survey shows total arrears down 8% on Universal Credit accounts
The National Housing Federation's December 2024 survey found total rent arrears on Universal Credit accounts fell 8% to £58m, with arrears for residents paying by other means also down 8% to £23m.
Government sets out Get Britain Working plan alongside £3 billion disability benefit cuts
The government has set out a Get Britain Working plan of jobcentre and employment support reforms, alongside £3 billion of disability benefit cuts announced at the autumn budget.
Government target to finish moving existing claimants onto Universal Credit
The government hopes to complete managed migration of existing benefit and tax credit claimants, except those on income-related Employment and Support Allowance, onto Universal Credit by the end of 2024.
Pension credit processing delays peaked at 87 working days
DWP pension credit processing times peaked at 87 working days in December 2024, when 85,600 claims were outstanding, according to figures reported by Which? on 2 September 2025.
- November 2024
Genuine and sufficient link wording omitted from regulations 9A and 9B
Words in regulations 9A(1)(c) and 9B(c) of the Social Security (Invalid Care Allowance) Regulations 1976 were omitted in England, Wales and Scotland from 7 November 2024, with corresponding Scottish regulations.
Carer Support Payment rolled out nationally
Carer Support Payment, Scotland's replacement for Carer's Allowance, became available across all 32 council areas on 4 November 2024 after a year of pilot rollouts.
Autumn Budget cuts Winter Fuel Payment and adds NHS and social care funding
Age UK has said the Autumn Budget leaves the Winter Fuel Payment cut in place for most pensioners, while announcing extra NHS and social care funding and changes to Carer's Allowance.
Cold Weather Payment 2024 scheme opens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Cold Weather Payment scheme for 2024 has opened in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with eligible households receiving payments during periods of very cold weather.
DWP approves refreshed fraud and error strategy
The Department for Work and Pensions approved a refreshed fraud and error strategy in November 2024, setting five objectives focused on preventing inaccurate benefit payments.
Mandatory work placements for Universal Credit claimants in England and Wales from late 2024
People in England and Wales who have not found work after 18 months on Universal Credit will have to take mandatory work placements from late 2024, or risk their claim being closed.
Winter Heating Payment replaces Cold Weather Payment in Scotland
Scotland's Winter Heating Payment has replaced the DWP Cold Weather Payment, paying £58.75 automatically to people on qualifying low-income benefits, with payments expected each February.
- October 2024
Benefit uprating statistics first published
The Department for Work and Pensions has published ad hoc statistics estimating how many families and individuals would benefit from the uprating of benefits from April 2025, covering England, Scotland and Wales.
Budget confirms working-age benefits uprating of 1.7%
The Chancellor's Budget statement on 30 October 2024 confirmed working-age benefits will rise by 1.7% in April, less than half the 4.1% increase for pensioners.
ESA claimants to migrate to Universal Credit by 2026
The Budget confirms all Employment and Support Allowance claimants will move to Universal Credit by 2026, two years earlier than planned, alongside a 1.7% rise in working-age benefits.
HICBC household-basis reform shelved
The Chancellor has shelved plans to move the High Income Child Benefit Charge to a household basis, after the estimated £1.4 billion cost of doubling the income threshold proved too high.
Pension-age Housing Benefit to end from 2026
The Budget confirmed that pension-age Housing Benefit will end, with all new claims for housing costs from 2026 administered with Pension Credit instead.
Pension Age Disability Payment replaced Attendance Allowance in Scotland
Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced Attendance Allowance for people of State Pension age in Scotland, administered by Social Security Scotland with two weekly rates and no mobility component.
Autumn Budget 2024 announces expansion of Help-to-Save eligibility to all working Universal Credit claimants
The Government announced at Autumn Budget 2024 that working Universal Credit claimants will be able to open a Help to Save account from 6 April 2025, replacing the previous 16 hours a week earnings test.
DWP confirms Local Housing Allowance rates and benefit cap frozen from April 2025
The DWP has confirmed that Local Housing Allowance rates and the benefit cap will be frozen from April 2025, while most working-age benefits rise by 1.7 per cent.
ESA and JSA recipients begin Universal Credit migration notices
From October 2024, people receiving income-related ESA or income-based JSA, including those who also get Housing Benefit, start receiving Universal Credit migration notices.
SDP section removed and child element guidance clarified
The Department for Work and Pensions has removed the Severe Disability Premium section from its guidance on the Universal Credit transitional element and clarified how the child element and Child Tax Credit are treated.
Sixth iteration of Household Support Fund opened with £500 million for England
The sixth Household Support Fund opened on 1 October 2024 with £500 million for local authorities in England, running until 31 March 2025 alongside Barnett funding for the devolved governments.
Warm Home Discount Scheme reopens
The Warm Home Discount Scheme reopens in October 2024 for households in England, Wales and Scotland, offering £150 off electricity bills for eligible claimants.
Winter Fuel Payment restricted to benefit recipients for winter 2024-25
For winter 2024-25 the Winter Fuel Payment was restricted to pensioners on income-related benefits such as pension credit, ending the universal payment that had applied until winter 2023-24.
- September 2024
Household Support Fund schemes end
Disability Rights UK states that Household Support Fund schemes end on 30 September 2024, while Turn2us dates the fund's closure to 31 March 2025, leaving the final date unclear.
Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 come into force
The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 came into force on 16th September 2024, setting the qualifying conditions and payment amounts for winter fuel payments in England and Wales.
Warm Home Discount eligibility statement for England and Wales published
The government has published the Warm Home Discount eligibility statement for England and Wales covering scheme year 14, which runs from 2024 to 2025, and future scheme years.
DWP to contact remaining tax credit, Income Support, JSA and housing benefit claimants by September 2024
The Department for Work and Pensions plans to contact 440,000 mixed tax credit households and all Income Support, income-based JSA and housing benefit claimants by September 2024 as managed migration continues.
ESA to UC managed migration underway with completion brought forward to 2026
Employment and Support Allowance claimants have begun moving to Universal Credit, with the Department for Work and Pensions now planning to complete the transfer by 2026 rather than 2028.
Expanded free hours childcare subsidy scheme scheduled to start in England
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's 2024 Minimum Income Standard reports that expanded free hours childcare is scheduled for September 2024 and September 2025, with the scheme's availability uncertain.
Free childcare extended to eligible working parents of children from 9 months to two years
From September 2024 eligible working parents in England with children aged nine months to two years can access 15 hours of government-funded childcare a week, the next stage of a phased expansion.
Household Support Fund extended until September 2024 with extra £500 million
The Household Support Fund received an extra £500 million so it could be extended until September 2024, with the government confirming a further six-month extension in September 2024.
Managed migration opens to income-based Jobseekers Allowance claimants
People claiming income-based Jobseekers Allowance are being sent Migration Notices from September 2024, inviting them to claim Universal Credit as the legacy benefit ends.
PAWHP eligibility restricted to pensioners on qualifying benefits for winter 2024/25
Scottish Ministers have restricted Pension Age Winter Heating Payment eligibility for winter 2024/25 to pensioners receiving qualifying benefits, after the UK Government ended universal Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
Pension age Tax Credits recipients begin Universal Credit migration notices
People above State Pension age who receive Tax Credits began receiving migration notices in September 2024, asking them to apply for Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment to replace Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland from winter 2024
The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland from winter 2024, paying £200 or £300 to pensioners on relevant benefits, with the DWP delivering it this winter.
September 2024 survey shows rise in arrears among Universal Credit residents
A National Housing Federation survey of housing associations found total rent arrears on Universal Credit claimants' accounts rose 11 per cent to £63m in September 2024, while arrears for residents paying by other means fell 19 per cent to £25m.
Universal Credit rollout invites income-based Jobseekers Allowance claimants
People claiming income-based Jobseekers Allowance are being invited to move to Universal Credit from September 2024, the latest group in the managed migration of legacy benefits.
Working-age benefits to rise 1.7% and pension-age benefits 4.1% from April 2025
Working-age benefits will rise by 1.7% and pension-age benefits by 4.1% from April 2025, the Budget confirmed, while Local Housing Allowance and the benefit cap are frozen again.
- August 2024
Carer Support Payment launches in seven further areas
Carer Support Payment opened for new applications in seven more Scottish council areas on 19 August 2024, ahead of national rollout, with official figures later showing 48,090 applications by 31 March 2026.
Latest DWP Move to UC statistics released
DWP figures released on 13 August 2024 show 34.4% of people sent a migration notice did not claim Universal Credit in time, as notices shift from Tax Credit to DWP benefit claimants.
Qualifying date for automatic Warm Home Discount rebate set
Households receiving Pension Credit or certain means-tested benefits on 11 August 2024 qualify for the automatic £150 Warm Home Discount rebate on electricity bills in winter 2024/25.
PLP sends pre-action letter to DWP on behalf of Work Rights Centre over automated Universal Credit systems
The Public Law Project has sent a pre-action letter to the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the Work Rights Centre, raising eight potential grounds of challenge over automated decision-making in Universal Credit.
- July 2024
Healthy Start extension application guidance first published
The Department of Health and Social Care has published guidance setting out who can apply for the extended Healthy Start scheme and how applications are made.
Winter Fuel Payment announcement linked payments to Pension Credit
Linking Winter Fuel Payment to Pension Credit from 29 July 2024 drove a surge in claims, and official figures published in February 2026 show applications falling back a year later.
Government announces winter fuel payment means-test
The government announced in July 2024 that it plans to scrap the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners who do not claim means-tested benefits, with some needing to claim Pension Credit to keep it.
UK Government restricts eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments
The UK government's restriction of Winter Fuel Payment eligibility has forced Scottish ministers to mirror the approach in the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, limiting help to pensioners on certain benefits.
Managed migration opens to Housing Benefit only claimants and ESA (income-related) with Child Tax Credits claimants
From July 2024, people in Northern Ireland claiming Housing Benefit only, and those claiming income-related Employment and Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits, start receiving Migration Notices.
Scottish Government introduces Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
The Scottish Government used devolved powers to introduce a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment for 2024/25, replacing the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland after the UK government restricted eligibility in England and Wales.
Universal Credit rollout invites Housing Benefit only and ESA(IR) with Child Tax Credit claimants
People claiming Housing Benefit only and people claiming Child Tax Credit with income-related Employment and Support Allowance were invited to move to Universal Credit from July 2024, as the next phase of managed migration began.
Winter Fuel Payment announcement linked to Pension Credit receipt
The July 2024 decision to link Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit drove a surge in claims, and from winter 2025 higher earners must repay the payment through tax.
- June 2024
Tax credit closure regime for state pension age claimants comes into force
Regulations closing tax credits for claimants over state pension age came into force on 8 June 2024, moving working tax credit claimants to universal credit and child tax credit claimants to pension credit.
June 2024 survey records £57m of arrears on Universal Credit tenants' accounts
The National Housing Federation's quarterly survey for June 2024 recorded £57m of rent arrears on Universal Credit tenants' accounts, with 51% of residents paying by Universal Credit in arrears.
Online application service introduced for Social Fund Budgeting Loans in Great Britain
The Department for Work and Pensions has introduced an online application process for Social Fund Budgeting Loans in Great Britain, with Northern Ireland claimants still required to apply by post.
Universal Credit rollout invites Income Support claimants
People claiming Income Support were due to be invited to move to Universal Credit in June 2024, the next stage of the managed migration of legacy benefit claimants.
- May 2024
Managed Migration rollout extended to Tax Credits claimants with Housing Benefit
Managed migration to Universal Credit opened to Tax Credits claimants with Housing Benefit from 13 May 2024, with further legacy benefit groups in Northern Ireland invited through to September 2024.
Universal Credit rollout invites tax credit claimants with Housing Benefit
Northern Ireland's next phase of Universal Credit migration began on 13 May 2024, inviting people who claim Tax Credits together with Housing Benefit to move to the new benefit.
Regulations made abolishing tax credits for state pension age claimants
Regulations made on 7 May 2024 end tax credit awards for claimants who have reached state pension age, moving some to universal credit and others to pension credit with transitional protection.
Administrative Earnings Threshold rise took place in May 2024
The Administrative Earnings Threshold rose in May 2024, a change the Department for Work and Pensions says should be read alongside the shift in Universal Credit conditionality recorded in 2024.
Administrative Earnings Threshold rises to £892 and £1,437 per month
The Administrative Earnings Threshold for Universal Credit rose to £892 a month for single people and £1,437 a month for couples in May 2024, following an earlier April increase.
Annual survey of English Council Tax Reduction schemes for 2024/25 published
entitledto's annual survey of English Council Tax Reduction schemes found 41 of 296 local authorities changed how they calculate support for 2024/25, with more raising help than cutting it.
DWP announces enhanced notification strategy for potential overpayments
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced an enhanced notification strategy for potential benefit overpayments, exploring targeted texts or emails to alert claimants, amid scrutiny of Carer's Allowance repayments.
Managed migration opens to Income Support claimants
People claiming Income Support begin receiving Migration Notices from May 2024, moving them onto Universal Credit under managed migration, with transitional protection for eligible claimants.
- April 2024
Fair Repayment Rate comes into force
The Fair Repayment Rate took effect on 30 April 2024, capping deductions from Universal Credit at 15% of the standard allowance, down from the previous 25% limit.
Publication of estimated claimant numbers affected by Work Capability Assessment reforms
The Department for Work and Pensions has published updated estimates of the number of claimants affected by Work Capability Assessment reforms announced at Autumn Statement 2023, revised to match Spring Budget 2024 forecasts.
Government announces reforms to ill-health test in Universal Credit
The Government has announced reforms to the ill-health test in Universal Credit, as a Resolution Foundation assessment finds 71 per cent of eligible families are worse off in real terms than under the legacy system.
Benefit cap earnings threshold rises to £793 a month
The earnings threshold used to decide whether the benefit cap grace period applies rose from £722 to £793 a month on 8 April 2024, affecting working age claimants who lose work.
Guidance updated with rates effective from 8 April 2024
Government guidance pages for the State Pension, Pension Credit and New Style Employment and Support Allowance were updated with benefit rates effective from 8 April 2024, the April uprating date for that year.
High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold increases to £60,000
The High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold rose from £50,000 to £60,000 on 6 April 2024, with the taper halved so the charge reaches the full Child Benefit amount at £80,000.
15 hours free childcare for working parents of 2-year-olds from April 2024
Working parents of two-year-olds in England can access 15 hours a week of government-funded childcare from 1 April 2024, the first stage of an expansion reaching 30 hours by September 2025.
Administrative Earnings Threshold rises to £743 and £1,189 per month
The Administrative Earnings Threshold for Universal Credit rose to £743 a month for single people and £1,189 a month for couples in April 2024, with a further increase following in May.
Attendance Allowance rates for April 2024 to March 2025
Attendance Allowance pays £72.65 a week at the lower rate and £108.55 a week at the higher rate from April 2024 to March 2025, for people over State Pension age who need help because of disability.
Benefit rates to rise by 6.7% and State Pension and Pension Credit rates by 8.5%
Most benefit rates will rise by 6.7% and State Pension and Pension Credit rates by 8.5% from April 2024, subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government has confirmed.
Benefits uprated by 6.7% in April 2024
Benefits rose by 6.7 per cent in April 2024 under the annual uprating, but Council Tax, water and broadband prices also increased that month, according to a living standards study.
Deadline for ending legacy benefits brought forward to March 2026
The deadline for moving remaining legacy benefit claimants to universal credit was brought forward to March 2026, with payments due to end by 31 March 2026.
Free childcare expansion to be rolled out in phases from April 2024
A £4bn expansion of free childcare, giving an extra 30 hours a week to parents of one and two year olds, will be rolled out in phases from April 2024, Toynbee Hall has said.
Household Support Fund extended to September 2024
The Household Support Fund, which pays for local food and energy help, has been extended for six months to September 2024 with an extra £500 million split between councils across the UK.
Inflation-linked benefits uprated by 6.7% and State Pension by 8.5%
Inflation-linked Department for Work and Pensions benefits rose by 6.7% in April 2024, while the basic and new State Pension increased by 8.5% for 2024/25.
LHA re-pegged to 30th percentile of local rents after four-year freeze
Local Housing Allowance was re-pegged to the 30th percentile of local rents in April 2024, four years after a freeze, cutting the share of Universal Credit families whose housing costs were not fully covered.
Local Housing Allowance freeze to be lifted
Local Housing Allowance maximum amounts were raised to the 30th percentile of local market rents from April 2024, ending a freeze on rates that had been in place since 2020.
Local Housing Allowance unfrozen and raised to 30th percentile of rents
Local Housing Allowance has been unfrozen and raised to the 30th percentile of rents, the Autumn Statement confirmed, alongside benefit uprating of 6.7% and state pension uprating of 8.5% from April 2024.
Managed migration opens to Tax Credits claimants with Housing Benefit
Tax Credit claimants who also receive Housing Benefit began receiving Universal Credit migration notices from April 2024, the first group in a wider timetable that runs through to 2028/29.
PAWHP to replace Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland from winter 2024/25
The Scottish Government is replacing the UK Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland with Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland, with payments due from winter 2024/25.
Regulations amended for migration of tax credit claimants to universal credit
Regulations amending tax credit income rules and universal credit payment provisions took effect from 6 April 2024, as part of the managed migration of tax credit claimants to universal credit.
Statutory maternity and parental pay rates set at £184.03 weekly from April 2024
Statutory maternity and parental pay rose to £184.03 a week from April 2024, as a survey of 1,039 mothers found money worries and debt rising during maternity leave.
New Style JSA payment rates for April 2024 to March 2025
New Style Jobseeker's Allowance pays up to £71.70 a week for under 25s and up to £90.50 a week for those aged 25 or over from April 2024 to March 2025, according to Mencap.
Third £299 means-tested cost of living payment due in spring 2024
The final instalment of the £900 means-tested cost of living payment, worth £299, is due to be paid by spring 2024, following two earlier payments in 2023.
Universal Credit surplus earnings threshold of £2,500 extended for another year
The £2,500 surplus earnings threshold for Universal Credit will be extended for another year until at least April 2025, instead of falling to £300 as previously planned.
Working age benefits to be uprated by September CPI of 6.7%
Working age benefits will rise by 6.7% from April 2024, the September CPI rate, while pension age benefits rise by 8.5% under the triple lock and the Local Housing Allowance freeze ends.
- March 2024
Universal Credit managed migration letters under way with end-2024 target
The government is sending Migration Notice letters to households still on legacy benefits, telling them to claim Universal Credit by the deadline on the letter or lose their payments.
Consultation announced on household-based child benefit charge
Jeremy Hunt has announced a consultation on moving the high income child benefit charge to a household-based system by April 2026, alongside a rise in the individual earnings thresholds from April 2024.
Spring Budget 2024 announces changes to the High Income Child Benefit Charge thresholds
Jeremy Hunt's Spring Budget raised the income threshold at which the High Income Child Benefit Charge starts, from £50,000 to £60,000, and the point at which Child Benefit is fully clawed back, from £60,000 to £80,000.
Pension credit application deadline for final cost of living payment
Nearly 880,000 households could receive the final £299 cost of living payment if they apply for pension credit by Tuesday 5 March 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions has said.
Cost of living schemes other than the three main Cost of Living Payments discontinued in FYE 2024
The Office for National Statistics says cost of living schemes including the Energy Support Scheme, Council Tax rebates and the Alternative Fuel Payment ended in the financial year ending 2024, while three payments continued.
HICBC threshold raised and taper halved at 2024 Spring Budget
The 2024 Spring Budget raised the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold from £50,000 to £60,000 and halved the taper, so entitlement is now fully withdrawn at £80,000 a year.
Universal Credit surplus earnings threshold extension ends
The £2,500 surplus earnings threshold in Universal Credit, above which excess earnings can be carried into a later assessment period, was extended until March 2024, after which the higher limit lapses.
- February 2024
NAO reports on progress in implementing Universal Credit
The National Audit Office says the Department for Work and Pensions is on track to move most legacy benefit claimants to Universal Credit by the end of 2024, but has extended the timetable and raised costs.
Amendment regulations widen Best Start Foods eligibility
Amendment regulations in force from 26 February 2024 removed income thresholds from some qualifying benefits for Best Start Foods and added Working Tax Credit as a qualifying benefit in its own right.
Best Start Foods amendment regulations come into force in Scotland
Scottish regulations amending Best Start Foods came into force on 26 February 2024, setting the basic weekly rate at £4.95 and widening eligibility to partners, dependants and children under three.
Best Start Foods eligibility changes come into force
Best Start Foods eligibility rules change on 26 February 2024, removing income limits, extending help to younger parents and altering how applications and payments are handled in Scotland.
Best Start Foods income limit removed
The income limit for Best Start Foods was removed in February 2024, widening eligibility for the Scottish benefit that helps with the cost of healthy food during pregnancy and early childhood.
Cost of living schemes discontinued in FYE 2024
The Energy Support Scheme, Council Tax rebate schemes in Great Britain and the Alternative Fuel Payment ended in the financial year ending 2024, while three Cost of Living Payments continued, official figures show.
Final £299 cost of living payment sent to means-tested benefits claimants
The final £299 cost of living payment was sent to around eight million means-tested benefits claimants between 6 and 22 February 2024, completing a £900 package.
Final cost of living payments made in February 2024
The last cost of living payments were made in February 2024, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports, with no further support announced and benefit rates rising 6.7% in April.
Third £299 Cost of Living payment paid in February 2024
The third instalment of the 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment, worth £299, was paid to most eligible households between 6 and 22 February 2024, completing a £900 total for the year.
- January 2024
Minimum Income Floor change for self-employed lead carers brought forward to January 2024
The implementation date for matching the Minimum Income Floor to new employee work rules for self-employed Universal Credit claimants who are lead carers of children aged 3 to 12 moved from April 2024 to January 2024.
Online child benefit claims extended to all eligible parents
HMRC has opened its fully digital child benefit claim service to all eligible parents, after limiting online applications to families with children under six months old since May 2023.