Benefits update 2026: what's changed and what it means for you

Keeping on top of benefit rates is not the most glamorous part of family life, but it matters. From 6 April 2026, a number of payments increased, including Child Benefit, Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance. Here's what the new amounts look like — and what you might be entitled to.

Child Benefit

From 6 April 2026, Child Benefit is £27.05 per week for your eldest or only child, and £17.90 per week for each additional child. That works out to around £1,406.60 a year for one child, or £2,337.40 for two.

Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into a bank account, and there is no limit to how many children you can claim for. One thing worth knowing: if you earn over £60,000 you may have to pay some or all of it back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge, but it can still be worth claiming - because doing so protects your National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension. If you haven't claimed yet, don't wait. Child Benefit can only be backdated for up to three months from the date your claim is received by HMRC.

Universal Credit

From 6 April 2026, the Universal Credit standard allowance increased for all claimants. The monthly amounts are as follows:

Under 25: £338.58

25 or over: £424.90

Both under 25: £528.34

One or both 25 or over: £666.97

You'll also get £303.94 a month for each child that lives with you. If your first child was born before 6 April 2017, you get an extra £47.94 a month for that child. There's also a significant change for larger families: the two-child limit was removed on 6 April 2026, meaning you can now receive a child element for each child, including if you have three or more. If you have a disability or long-term health condition, the amount you receive for the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element has changed from April 2026. It's now either £429.80 a month (higher rate) or £217.26 a month (lower rate), depending on when your condition was assessed. If you were already receiving the LCWRA element before 6 April 2026, you'll be on the higher protected rate. Citizens Advice has clear guidance on what applies to you.

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance — for those who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week — has risen from £83.30 to £86.45 a week. The earnings limit has also increased, meaning you can now earn up to £204 a week (after certain deductions) and still receive it.

Disability benefits

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has increased by 3.8%. The enhanced daily living rate rises from £110.40 to £114.60 a week, and the standard rate from £73.90 to £76.70. The enhanced mobility rate rises from £77.05 to £80.00 a week.

Attendance Allowance has also increased: the higher rate is now £114.60 a week, and the lower rate £76.70.

National Minimum Wage

From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Workers aged 18 to 20 receive £10.85. Workers under 18 and most apprentices receive £8.00 per hour.

A few things to check

Not sure what you're entitled to? The MoneyHelper Benefits Calculator and Turn2us Benefits Calculator are both free, quick and worth doing. Millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed every year.

If you're pregnant or recently had a baby, it's also worth checking whether you qualify for the NHS Healthy Start scheme, free prescriptions during pregnancy and for a year after birth, and a Sure Start Maternity Grant if this is your first child. Benefit rates can change and individual circumstances vary. Always check the current amounts at gov.uk or speak to Citizens Advice before making financial decisions based on this article.