£1,200 DWP Universal Credit: With the start of the new financial year, millions of people have received the promise of an increase in their income. Although inflation and the cost of living are still rising, people have definitely gotten some relief from the various financial supports provided by the government. In the month of April, the bills of most households increased, making it necessary that every person have complete information about all the schemes and assistance amounts that he may be eligible for.
Who got how much income benefit in April?
Last month, many important economic decisions were taken by the government, which directly benefited the general public. All benefits administered by the DWP were increased by 1.7%, while the state pension was increased by 4.1% under the triple lock policy. Apart from this, the minimum wage was increased by 6.7%, which gave additional annual income of up to £1,400 to millions of workers.
But the challenges are also not less.
While on one hand the income increased, on the other hand, a huge increase has been recorded in household bills such as energy, water and council tax. Along with this, the recent announcement of cuts in the welfare system by the Labour Party has also become a matter of concern. The effect of these cuts of about £5 million will be visible on the rates of Universal Credit and the eligibility criteria of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from next year.
Current state of poverty in Britain
A recent report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows that in 2022/23, 21% of the total population of Britain was living in poverty, that is, about 14.3 million people. These include 81 lakh working adults, 43 lakh children and 19 lakh pensioners. These figures show the seriousness of the country’s economic situation.
Benefit and pension payment information for June 2025
Which benefits will be available on time?
Due to there being no bank holiday in the month of June, benefits will be paid as normal. These include:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker Allowance
You can find full details on payment dates and eligibility for these benefits by visiting the government website.
Pension payment date
The state pension is also sent directly to your bank account once every four weeks. The payment date depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
Have benefit rates increased?
Yes, benefits have been increased by 1.7% for all working-age groups in April 2025. The increase applies to schemes such as Universal Credit, PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance and ESA.
The state pension has also risen by 4.1%, or £472 per year, under the triple lock policy. As announced by the Labour Party, Universal Credit’s standard allowance will be given a special increase of £7 per week from April 2026.
Impact on the health element
While the standard allowance will increase, the rates for the health element will be frozen from April 2026. New applicants will receive just £50 per week, which is around £2,500 less than the current level. Those who are eligible are therefore advised to apply as soon as possible.
What other help is available?
Budgeting advance loan
If you are on Universal Credit and suddenly run short of money, you can take advantage of the budgeting advance loan offered by the government. It’s interest-free and must be repaid over a maximum of two years. You can get up to
- Single person: £348
- Couple: £464
- Family with children: £812
According to Labor’s budget, the deduction limit for these loans has been raised to 15% of Universal Credit’s standard allowance from April 2025 (it was 25%).
Charitable grants
If you’re in financial difficulties, some charities can help. These include those who are particularly disabled, sick, carers, unemployed, widowed and students. Visit the website of a charity such as Turn2Us to find out what grants are available depending on your eligibility.
Energy bill help
Some energy companies, such as Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON and Octopus, offer help to their customers to pay their bills. British Gas also offers up to £2,000 in aid to any company customer. Eligibility criteria must be met for this.
Council tax discount
If you are receiving certain benefits or are in financial difficulty, you can get up to a 100% discount on council tax. Special exemptions can also be sought from the local council if you are in serious financial difficulty.
Free childcare
All working parents in the UK get up to 30 hours of free childcare for children aged 3 to 4. From 1 April 2024, this has been extended to children aged 2 years. From 1 September, this facility has been applicable to all children from 9 months of age. From September 2025, 30 hours of free care will be available for all children under 5 years of age.
Conclusion: If there is help, then information is also important.
At present, while the cost of living is constantly increasing, the assistance schemes being given by the government and various institutions are working to support the people. But to take advantage of these, it is important that people have complete information about these schemes and they take the right steps in time. Benefits of Universal Credit, Pension and Other Government Assistance
FAQs
Q. Have income benefits increased in April 2025?
A. Yes, DWP-administered benefits rose by 1.7%, the state pension increased by 4.1%, and minimum wage saw a 6.7% rise.
Q. Will benefit payments be made on time in June 2025?
A. Yes, since there are no bank holidays in June, payments like Universal Credit and State Pension will be made on their usual dates.
Q. How is the pension payment date decided?
A. Your State Pension payment date depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number, ranging from Monday to Friday.
Q. What is the new Universal Credit health element rule from April 2026?
A. New applicants will receive only £50 per week, nearly £2,500 less annually than the current rate—existing recipients are unaffected.
Q. What extra support is available besides benefits?
A. Support includes budgeting advance loans, charitable grants, council tax discounts, energy bill assistance, and free childcare hours.
