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DWP Publishes Proposed 2026–27 Benefit Rates Taking Effect in April

Some allowances stay flat, creating real-terms losses as living costs rise.

Overview

  • The Department for Work and Pensions set out proposed payment levels for 2026–27 to start in April 2026, affecting an estimated 24 million claimants counted in February 2025.
  • Most benefits will increase, but several allowances are unchanged, meaning their purchasing power falls against rising prices.
  • Published examples include PIP daily living at £114.60 (enhanced) or £76.70 (standard) and mobility at £80.00 or £30.30, plus Universal Credit standard allowances of £338.58 for single under‑25s and £424.90 for single adults 25 or over.
  • Attendance Allowance is paid to more than 1.7 million pensioners at £73.90 or £110.40 per week, typically issued four‑weekly at £295.60 or £441.60.
  • DWP guidance gives the lower Attendance Allowance rate for frequent daytime or night supervision and the higher rate for round‑the‑clock care or end‑of‑life, with a move from lower to higher adding £36.50 a week (about £146 a month) when needs increase.