The proposed benefit and pension rates for 2025/26 were published on 1 April 2025, setting out weekly and monthly amounts alongside the 2024/25 rates1. Most working-age and disability benefits rise, while the benefit cap levels are unchanged1.
The basic State Pension Category A or B rate rises from £169.50 to £176.45 a week, and the Category B (lower) rate for a spouse or civil partner's insurance rises from £101.55 to £105.701. The full rate of the new State Pension rises from £221.20 to £230.25 a week1. Attendance Allowance rises from £108.55 to £110.40 at the higher rate and from £72.65 to £73.90 at the lower rate1. Disability Living Allowance care component rises from £108.55 to £110.40 at the highest rate, £72.65 to £73.90 at the middle rate and £28.70 to £29.20 at the lowest rate; the mobility component rises from £75.75 to £77.05 at the higher rate and from £28.70 to £29.20 at the lower rate1. Carer's Allowance rises from £81.90 to £83.301.
Universal Credit standard allowances rise from £311.68 to £316.98 for a single claimant under 25 and from £393.45 to £400.14 for a single claimant aged 25 or over; joint claimants both under 25 rise from £489.23 to £497.55 and joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over rise from £617.60 to £628.101. The Universal Credit child element rises from £333.33 to £339.00 for a first child born before 6 April 2017, and from £287.92 to £292.81 for a first child born on or after that date or a second or subsequent child where an exception or transitional provision applies1. The Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount rises from £416.19 to £423.27, and the carer amount rises from £198.31 to £201.681. The maximum Universal Credit award for one child rises from £1,014.63 to £1,031.88, and for two or more children from £1,739.37 to £1,768.941.
The benefit cap is unchanged. In Greater London the annual level remains £25,323 for couples or single claimants with a child of qualifying age and £16,967 for single adult households without children; in the rest of Great Britain it remains £22,020 and £14,753 respectively1. The monthly equivalents are £2,110.25 and £1,413.92 in Greater London, and £1,835.00 and £1,229.42 in the rest of Great Britain1.
| Rate | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic State Pension (Category A or B) | £169.50 | £176.45 |
| New State Pension (full rate) | £221.20 | £230.25 |
| Attendance Allowance (higher rate) | £108.55 | £110.40 |
| Carer's Allowance | £81.90 | £83.30 |
| Universal Credit single, 25 or over | £393.45 | £400.14 |
| Benefit cap, couple or single with child (Greater London, annual) | £25,323.00 | £25,323.00 |
Why it matters for households
The rates apply to the 2025/26 financial year and cover the benefits and pensions listed in the published table1. For people receiving the basic State Pension, the weekly amount rises by £6.95; for the new State Pension full rate the rise is £9.05 a week1. Working-age claimants of Universal Credit see standard allowances and child elements increase, while the benefit cap remains at its 2024/25 levels, so households whose award is capped will not see the cap itself rise with the other rates1. Disability benefits including Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are uprated, as is Carer's Allowance1.
What happens next
The table sets out proposed rates for 2025/261.
Sources1 cited
- 2004 Uprating assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
Turn2usFree benefits calculator and grants search from a charity
Citizens AdviceFree advice on money, consumer and legal problems in England and Wales
GOV.UKOfficial information on tax, benefits and government services
MoneyHelperFree, impartial money and pensions guidance, set up by government