Charities and campaigners are warning that the upcoming April rise in Universal Credit will leave thousands of households struggling to cover the basics, with some facing a shortfall of up to £1,000 a year.
What is the April Universal Credit Increase?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Universal Credit payments will rise from April 2026. The standard allowance will increase by roughly 6.2%, combining:
- A 2.3% rise mandated under the Universal Credit Act 2025
- A 3.8% increase linked to the September 2025 inflation rate
This increase applies to most claimants, including singles and couples, and will also affect additional elements such as disability support and child allowances.
How Will the Increase Compare to Living Costs?
Experts say the rise, while welcome, is still insufficient to meet everyday essentials. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) estimates that:
| Household Type | Weekly Payment (April 2026) | Estimated Essential Costs | Annual Shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adult | £98 | £120 | £1,000 |
| Couple | £154 | £205 | £2,500 |
“Even with the April increase, many households will struggle to pay for food, heating, and other basic needs,” said Dr. Rachel Thompson, senior researcher at JRF.
Rising energy bills, rent, and general living costs continue to outpace Universal Credit payments, leaving claimants in financial difficulty.
Who is Most Affected?
Some claimants will see little or no benefit from the rise. Around 600,000 households on transitional protection will have frozen payments because their previous benefits were higher than the current Universal Credit rates.
Charities are calling for an “Essentials Guarantee”, which would ensure that Universal Credit always covers the minimum costs of food, heating, and essential living.
Case Study: Emma, a single parent in Birmingham, receives £98 per week under Universal Credit. With rent and utility bills, she struggles to cover groceries and heating.
Universal Credit Cuts: Upcoming Deadlines That May Affect You
— r/BenefitsAdviceUK
“Even a small increase doesn’t change the fact that I have to choose between eating and keeping the lights on,” she says.
How is the Government Responding?
The DWP emphasises that Universal Credit is designed to help transition individuals into secure work.
A spokesperson stated: “We are committed to keeping the main rate of Universal Credit above inflation where possible, as part of our broader Plan for Change. Our focus remains on supporting claimants into sustainable employment.”
While the government highlights employment incentives, critics argue that these do not address the immediate shortfall in essential living costs.
What does this mean for the UK Public?
Even with the April increase, many claimants will continue to face difficult choices. Singles may see a £1,000 annual shortfall, while couples could be £2,500 short of the funds needed for basic survival.
Households on transitional protection will see no increase, leaving them particularly vulnerable.
Charities and campaigners argue that without further reform, Universal Credit will remain insufficient to meet the rising costs of living, affecting millions of UK households across cities and rural areas alike.
