The Government has confirmed that state pensions and benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will increase by 3.1 percent on 11 April 2022. This is in line with current inflation rates and the general cost of living.

Our money and benefits advice team has outlined below the new payment rates for the most common benefits, although please note that they are the basic rates only. The actual level of payments received can vary depending on a number of different factors, such as additional premiums and deductions. A full breakdown of the rate increases can be found on the government website.

Payments for housing benefit and the housing element of Universal Credit and Council Tax Support also increased to reflect higher rent and council tax charges from 1 April.

Most of these benefit rate increases should be applied automatically to any existing claims. To receive an increase in housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you would need to report any changes to your rent for the higher amounts to become payable. If this affects you, you should report changes to your local authority (housing benefit) or the DWP via their online journal (Universal Credit).

JRHT offers a free, confidential and impartial Money & Benefits Advice service to all residents and staff. Advisers can assist with benefit checks, updating claims and identifying other forms of support that may be available. To speak to an adviser or book and appointment please contact JRHT’s Money & Benefit Advice service on 0800 5870211 or at [email protected]