Universal Credit claimants can receive three additional benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC worth up to £1,925 in July, on top of their standard UC payments. Under the new DWP rates from April, a single person over 25 receives £424.90 per month, while couples over 25 get £666.97. However, claimants can also apply for State Pension, Child Benefit, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
State Pension Worth £965
The full new State Pension has increased to £241.30 per week, or approximately £965 per month. The old basic State Pension for those who retired before 2016 rose from £176.45 to £184.90 per week. Generally, you cannot claim Universal Credit once you reach State Pension age; instead, you should claim Pension Credit. However, an exception exists for mixed-age couples where one partner is under State Pension age. In such cases, the couple must claim Universal Credit, and any State Pension received is treated as income, reducing UC payments pound-for-pound.
Child Benefit Worth £117.21
Claimants can receive Child Benefit alongside Universal Credit without any reduction in UC payments. Under new rates, Child Benefit is worth £108 per week for the first child at £27.05 per week, with additional children receiving £17.90 per week each. This amounts to approximately £117.21 per month for one child.
PIP Worth £843.26
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can also be claimed simultaneously with Universal Credit. From April, the standard daily living rate is £76.70 per week, while the enhanced rate is £114.60. Standard mobility is £30.30 per week, and enhanced mobility is £80. Claimants qualifying for enhanced elements of both parts could receive up to £843.26 per month when averaged across 12 months.
The DWP explains: "You can get Universal Credit at the same time as other benefits. Your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by an amount equal to the other benefit’s payment." However, Child Benefit does not reduce UC payments, and State Pension only affects UC for mixed-age couples.
