Policy paper

Benefit and pension rates 2019 to 2020

Updated 4 April 2019

© Crown copyright 2019

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2019-to-2020/proposed-benefit-and-pension-rates-2019-to-2020

Weekly rates unless otherwise shown.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher rate 85.60 87.65
Lower rate 57.30 58.70

Bereavement Benefit

For deaths between 11 April 1998 and 5 April 2017.

Bereavement Benefit Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Widowed Parents Allowance 117.10 119.90

Bereavement Support Payment

For deaths occurring on or after 6 April 2017.

Bereavement Support Payment Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Standard rate (lump sum) 2,500.00 2,500.00
Standard rate monthly payments 100.00 100.00
Higher rate (lump sum) 3,500.00 3,500.00
Higher rate monthly payments 350.00 350.00

Benefit cap

Rates introduced November 2016.

Reduction in annual level of benefit cap (Greater London) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Couples (with or without children) or single claimants with a child of qualifying age 23,000.00 23,000.00
Single adult households without children 15,410.00 15,410.00
Reduction in annual level of benefit cap (rest of Great Britain) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Couples (with or without children) or single claimants with a child of qualifying age 20,000.00 20,000.00
Single adult households without children 13,400.00 13,400.00
Monthly equivalent (Greater London) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Couples (with or without children) or single claimants with a child of qualifying age 1,916.67 1,916.67
Single adult households without children 1,284.17 1,284.17
Monthly equivalent (rest of Great Britain) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Couples (with or without children) or single claimants with a child of qualifying age 1,666.67 1,666.67
Single adult households without children 1,116.67 1,116.67
Weekly equivalent (Greater London) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Couples (with or without children) or single claimants with a child of qualifying age 442.31 442.31
Single adult households without children 296.35 296.35
Weekly equivalent (rest of Great Britain) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Couples (with or without children) or single claimants with a child of qualifying age 384.62 384.62
Single adult households without children 257.69 257.69

Capital limits

Rules common to Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related ESA, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit unless stated otherwise.

Capital limits Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Upper limit 16,000.00 16,000.00
Upper limit – Pension Credit and those getting Housing Benefit and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit No limit No limit
Amount disregarded – all benefits except Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for those above the qualifying age for Guarantee Credit 6,000.00 6,000.00
Amount disregarded – Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for those above the qualifying age for Pension Credit 10,000.00 10,000.00
Child disregard (not Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance nor Housing Benefit) 3,000.00 3,000.00
Amount disregarded (living in residential care or a nursing home) 10,000.00 10,000.00

Tariff income

£1 for every £250, or part thereof, between the amount of capital disregarded and the capital upper limit.

Pension Credit and Housing Benefit where claimant or partner is over Guarantee Credit qualifying age, £1 for every £500, or part thereof, above or between the amount of, capital disregarded and any capital upper limit applicable.

Carer’s Allowance

Carer’s Allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Carer’s Allowance 64.60 66.15

Deductions

Rules common to Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit unless stated otherwise.

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Aged 25 and over in receipt of Income Support and income-based JSA,
or any age in receipt of main phase income-related ESA,
aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work		 15.25 15.60
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Gross income: less than £143 15.25 15.60
Gross income: £143 to £208.99 35.00 35.85
Gross income: £209 to £271.99 48.05 49.20
Gross income: £272 to £362.99 78.65 80.55
Gross income: £363 to £450.99 89.55 91.70
Gross income: £451 and above 98.30 100.65

Deductions from Housing Benefit

Service charges for fuel

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Heating 30.30 32.70
Hot water 3.50 3.80
Lighting 2.40 2.60
Cooking 3.50 3.80

Amount ineligible for meals

3 or more meals a day Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single claimant 27.90 28.55
Each person in family aged 16 or over 27.90 28.55
Each child under 16 14.15 14.50
Less than 3 meals a day Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single claimant 18.60 19.05
Each person in family aged 16 or over 18.60 19.05
Each child under 16 9.35 9.55
Breakfast only - claimant and each member of the family 3.45 3.55

Amount for personal expenses (not Housing Benefit)

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Amount for personal expenses (not Housing Benefit) 25.00 25.60
Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Arrears of housing, fuel and water costs Council Tax etc. and deductions for Eligible Loan Deduction Scheme and Integration Loan Scheme 3.70 3.70

Child support, contribution towards maintenance (CTM)

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Standard deduction 7.40 7.40
Lower deduction 3.70 3.70

Arrears of Community Charge

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Court order against claimant 3.70 3.70
Court order against couple 5.75 5.75

Fine or compensation order

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Standard rate 5.00 5.00
Lower rate 3.70 3.70

Recovery of overpayments (not contribution-based JSA or contribution-based ESA)

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Maximum deduction rates for recovery of overpayments (not contribution-based JSA or contribution-based ESA) ordinary overpayments 11.10 11.10

Fraud overpayments

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit only 18.50 18.50
Benefits (not Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit ) 29.60 29.60

Deductions from contribution-based JSA and contribution-based ESA

Arrears of community charge and overpayment recovery

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Age 16 to 24 19.30 19.30
Age 25 and over 24.36 24.36

Arrears of council tax and fines

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Age 16 to 24 23.16 23.16
Age 25 and over 29.24 29.24

Maximum deduction for arrears of child maintenance

Deductions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
age 16 to 24 19.30 19.30
age 25 and over 24.36 24.36

Dependency increases

Adult dependency increases for spouse or person looking after children

Dependency increases Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
State Pension on own insurance (Category A) 68.35 70.00
State Pension (non-contributory, Category C) 40.90 41.90
Long-term Incapacity Benefit 63.65 65.20
Unemployability Supplement 64.60 66.15
Severe Disablement Allowance 38.20 39.10
Carer’s Allowance 38.00 38.90
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age) 61.30 62.75
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under State Pension age) 49.60 50.80

Child Dependency Increases

Dependency increases Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Payable with:
State Pension
Widowed Mother’s Allowance or Widowed Parent’s Allowance
short-term Incapacity benefit higher rate or over State Pension age
long-term Incapacity Benefit
Carer’s Allowance
Severe Disablement
Unemployability Supplement		 11.35 11.35
The rate of child dependency increase is adjusted where it is payable for the eldest child for whom child benefit is also paid. The weekly rate in such cases is reduced by the difference (less £3.65) between the Child Benefit rates for the eldest and subsequent children. 8.00 8.00

Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance care component Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Highest 85.60 87.65
Middle 57.30 58.70
Lowest 22.65 23.20
Disability Living Allowance mobility component Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher 59.75 61.20
Lower 22.65 23.20

Disregards

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit earnings disregards Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Standard (single claimant) 5.00 5.00
Couple 10.00 10.00
Higher (special occupations/circumstances) 20.00 20.00
Lone parent 25.00 25.00
Childcare charges 175.00 175.00
Childcare charges (2 or more children) 300.00 300.00
Permitted work higher 125.50 131.50
Permitted work lower 20.00 20.00
Other income disregards Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Adult maintenance disregard 15.00 15.00
War disablement pension and war widows pension 10.00 10.00
Widowed mothers/parents allowance 15.00 15.00
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme 10.00 10.00
Student loan 10.00 10.00
Student’s covenanted income 5.00 5.00
Income from boarders (plus 50% of the balance) 20.00 20.00
Additional earnings disregard 17.10 17.10
Income from subtenants (£20 fixed from April 08) 20.00 20.00
Earnings disregards Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Standard (single claimant) (not income-related ESA) 5.00 5.00
Couple (not income-related ESA) 10.00 10.00
Higher (special occupations/circumstances) 20.00 20.00
Partner of claimant (income-related ESA) 20.00 (maximum) 20.00 (maximum)
Other income disregards Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
War disablement pension and war widows pension 10.00 10.00
Widowed mothers/parents allowance 10.00 10.00
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme 10.00 10.00
Student loan (not Pension Credit) 10.00 10.00
Student’s covenanted income (not Pension Credit) 5.00 5.00
Income from boarders (plus 50% of the balance) 20.00 20.00
Income from subtenants (£20 fixed from April 08) 20.00 20.00

Earnings rules

Earnings rules Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Carer’s Allowance 120.00 123.00
Limit of earnings from councillor’s allowance 125.50 131.50
Permitted work earnings limit – higher 125.50 131.50
Permitted work earnings limit – lower 20.00 20.00
Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount) 6,526.00 6,838.00

Earnings level at which adult dependency (ADI) increases are affected

Short-term incapacity benefit

Earnings rules Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Claimant under state pension age 49.60 50.80
Claimant over state pension age 61.30 62.75

State Pension, long-term Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Unemployability Supplement

Earnings rules Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Dependant is living with claimant 73.10 73.10
Dependant still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule 45.09 45.09

Dependant is not living with claimant

Earnings rules Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
State Pension 68.35 70.00
Long-term Incapacity Benefit 63.65 65.20
Unemployability Supplement 64.60 66.15
Severe Disablement Allowance 38.20 39.10

Carer’s Allowance

Earnings rules Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Earnings level at which ADI paid with Carer’s Allowance is affected (dependant living with claimant) 38.00 38.90

Earnings level at which child dependency increases are affected

Earnings rules Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
First child 235.00 240.00
Additional amount for each subsequent child 31.00 32.00

Pension income threshold

Earnings rules Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Pension income threshold for Incapacity Benefit 85.00 85.00
Pension income threshold for contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance 85.00 85.00

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Personal allowances

Single

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 25 57.90 57.90
25 or over 73.10 73.10

Lone parent

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 18 57.90 57.90
18 or over 73.10 73.10

Couple

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Both under 18 57.90 57.90
Both under 18 with child 87.50 87.50
Both under 18 (main phase) 73.10 73.10
Both under 18 with child (main phase) 114.85 114.85
One 18 or over, one under 18 (certain conditions apply) 114.85 114.85
Both over 18 114.85 114.85
Claimant under 25, partner under 18 57.90 57.90
Claimant 25 or over, partner under 18 73.10 73.10
Claimant (main phase), partner under 18 73.10 73.10

Premiums

Enhanced disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 16.40 16.80
Couple 23.55 24.10

Severe disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 64.30 65.85
Couple (lower rate) 64.30 65.85
Couple (higher rate) 128.60 131.70

Carer premium

Premium Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Carer 36.00 36.85

Pensioner premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single with work-related activity component 60.85 65.10
Single with support component 52.25 55.60
Single with no component 89.90 94.15
Couple with work-related activity component 104.90 111.35
Couple with support component 96.30 101.85
Couple with no component 133.95 140.40

Components

Components Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Work-related activity 29.05 29.05
Support 37.65 38.55

Housing Benefit

Personal allowances

Single

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 25 57.90 57.90
25 or over 73.10 73.10
Entitled to main phase ESA 73.10 73.10

Lone parent

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 18 57.90 57.90
18 or over 73.10 73.10
Entitled to main phase ESA 73.10 73.10

Couple

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Both under 18 87.50 87.50
One or both 18 or over 114.85 114.85
Claimant entitled to main phase ESA 114.85 114.85

Dependent children

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Dependent children 66.90 66.90

Pensioner

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single or lone parent has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but under 65. 163.00 167.25
Couple – one or both has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but both under 65 248.80 255.25
Single or lone parent - 65 and over 176.40 181.00
Couple – one or both 65 and over 263.80 270.60

Polygamous marriage

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
For the claimant and the other party to the marriage where no members of the marriage have attained the age of 65 248.80 255.25
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant and no members of the marriage have attained the age of 65 85.80 88.00
For the claimant and the other party to the marriage where one or more of the members of the marriage are aged 65 or over 263.80 270.60
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant and one or more of the members of the marriage are aged 65 or over 87.40 89.60

Premiums

Family premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Family 17.45 17.45
Family (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20

Disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 33.55 34.35
Couple 47.80 48.95

Enhanced disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 16.40 16.80
Disabled child 25.48 26.04
Couple 23.55 24.10

Severe disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 64.30 65.85
Couple (lower rate) 64.30 65.85
Couple (higher rate) 128.60 131.70

Disabled child premium

Premium Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Disabled child: 62.86 64.19

Carer premium

Premium Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Carer 36.00 36.85

ESA components

Components Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Work-related activity 29.05 29.05
Support 37.65 38.55

Incapacity Benefit

Incapacity Benefit Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Long-term Incapacity Benefit 109.60 112.25
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under State Pension age) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Lower rate 82.65 84.65
Higher rate 97.85 100.20
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over State Pension age) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Lower rate 105.15 107.65
Higher rate 109.60 112.25
Increase of long-term Incapacity Benefit for age Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher rate 11.60 11.90
Lower rate 6.45 6.60
Invalidity Allowance (transitional) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher rate 11.60 11.90
Middle rate 6.45 6.60
Lower rate 6.45 6.60

Income Support

Personal Allowances

Single

Personal Allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 25 57.90 57.90
25 or over 73.10 73.10

Lone parent

Personal Allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 18 57.90 57.90
18 or over 73.10 73.10

Couple

Personal Allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Both under 18 57.90 57.90
Both under 18 - higher rate 87.50 87.50
One under 18, one under 25 57.90 57.90
One under 18, one 25 and over 73.10 73.10
Both 18 or over 114.85 114.85

Dependent children

Personal Allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Dependent children 66.90 66.90

Premiums

Family and lone parent premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Family and lone parent 17.45 17.45

Pensioner premium (couples only)

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Pensioner (applies to couples only) 133.95 140.40

Disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 33.55 34.35
Couple 47.80 48.95

Enhanced disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 16.40 16.80
Disabled child 25.48 26.04
Couple 23.55 24.10

Severe disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 64.30 65.85
Couple (lower rate) 64.30 65.85
Couple (higher rate) 128.60 131.70

Disabled child premium

Premium Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Disabled child 62.86 64.19

Carer premium

Premium Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Carer 36.00 36.85

Relevant sum for strikers

Relevant sum for strikers Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Relevant sum for strikers 40.50 40.50

Industrial Death Benefit

Widow’s pension Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher rate 125.95 129.20
Lower rate 37.79 38.76
Widower’s pension 125.95 129.20

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Standard rate (assessed level of disablement) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
1.00 174.80 179.00
0.90 157.32 161.10
0.80 139.84 143.20
0.70 122.36 125.30
0.60 104.88 107.40
0.50 87.40 89.50
0.40 69.92 71.60
0.30 52.44 53.70
0.20 34.96 35.80
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum) 11,600.00 11,880.00
Unemployability Supplement Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Unemployability Supplement 108.05 110.65
Increase for early incapacity Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher rate 22.35 22.90
Middle rate 14.40 14.70
Lower rate 7.20 7.35
Maximum reduced earnings allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Maximum reduced earnings allowance 69.92 71.60
Maximum retirement allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Maximum retirement allowance 17.48 17.90

Constant Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Exceptional rate 139.80 143.20
Intermediate rate 104.85 107.40
Normal maximum rate 69.90 71.60
Part-time rate 34.95 35.80
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance 69.90 71.60

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Contribution-based JSA

Personal rates Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 25 57.90 57.90
25 or over 73.10 73.10

Income-based JSA personal allowances

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 25 57.90 57.90
25 or over 73.10 73.10

Lone parent

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Under 18 57.90 57.90
18 or over 73.10 73.10

Couple

Personal allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Both under 18 57.90 57.90
Both under 18 - higher rate 87.50 87.50
One under 18, one under 25 57.90 57.90
One under 18, one 25 and over 73.10 73.10
Both 18 or over 114.85 114.85

Dependent children

Personal allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Dependent children 66.90 66.90

Income-based JSA premiums

Family and lone parent premium

Premium Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Family and lone parent 17.45 17.45

Pensioner premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 89.90 94.15
Couple 133.95 140.40

Disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 33.55 34.35
Couple 47.80 48.95

Enhanced disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 16.40 16.80
Disabled child 25.48 26.04
Couple 23.55 24.10

Severe disability premium

Premiums Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 64.30 65.85
Couple (lower rate) 64.30 65.85
Couple (higher rate) 128.60 131.70

Disabled child premium

Premium Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Disabled child 62.86 64.19

Carer premium

Premium Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Carer 36.00 36.85

Prescribed sum for strikers

Prescribed sum for strikers Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Prescribed sum for strikers 40.50 40.50

Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Standard rate 145.18 148.68
Maternity Allowance threshold 30.00 30.00

Pension Credit

Standard minimum guarantee Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 163.00 167.25
Couple 248.80 255.25
Additional amount for severe disability Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single 64.30 65.85
Couple (one qualifies) 64.30 65.85
Couple (both qualify) 128.60 131.70
Additional amount for carers Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Additional amount for carers 36.00 36.85
Savings Credit Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Threshold - single 140.67 144.38
Threshold - couple 223.82 229.67
Maximum - single 13.40 13.73
Maximum - couple 14.99 15.35
Children Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
First child born before 6 April 2017 63.84 63.84
Subsequent children 53.34 53.34
Disabled child Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Lower rate 29.02 29.02
Higher rate 88.34 90.23
Polygamous marriage Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage 248.80 255.25
Additional amount for additional spouse 85.80 88.00
Non-State Pensions Rates 2018 Rates 2019
Non-State Pensions (for Pension Credit purposes)
Statutory minimum increase to non-state pensions		 3.00% 2.40%

Personal Independence Payment

Daily living component Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Enhanced 85.60 87.65
Standard 57.30 58.70
Mobility component Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Enhanced 59.75 61.20
Standard 22.65 23.20

Severe Disablement Allowance

Basic rate Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Basic rate 77.65 79.50
Age-related addition (from December 1990) Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher rate 11.60 11.90
Middle rate 6.45 6.60
Lower rate 6.45 6.60

State Pension

New State Pension

New State Pension Rates 2018 Rates 2019
Full rate £164.35 £168.60
Transitional rate below full rate 3.0085% 2.5859%
Protected payment 3.00% 2.40%
Increments – own (based on deferred new State Pension) 3.00% 2.40%
Increments – inherited (based on deferred old State Pension) 3.00% 2.40%

Old State Pension

Category Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Category A or B basic pension 125.95 129.20
Category B (lower) basic pension - spouse or civil partner’s insurance 75.50 77.45
Category C or D - non-contributory 75.50 77.45
Additional pension Rates 2018 Rates 2019
Additional pension 3.00% 2.40%
Maximum additional pension (own and inherited) £172.28 £176.41
Increments Rates 2018 Rates 2019
Basic pension 3.00% 2.40%
Additional pension 3.00% 2.40%
Graduated Retirement Benefit 3.00% 2.40%
Inheritable lump sum 3.00% 2.40%
Contracted-out deduction Rates 2018 Rates 2019
Contracted-out deduction from AP in respect of pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings Nil Nil
Contracted-out deduction from AP in respect of contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997 3.00% 2.40%
Graduated Retirement Benefit Rates 2018 Rates 2019
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) 0.1383 0.1416
Increase of long term incapacity for age Rates 2018 Rates 2019
Increase of long term incapacity for age 3.00% 2.40%
Age 80 addition Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Addition at age 80 0.25 0.25
Increase of long term incapacity for age Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher rate 22.35 22.90
Lower rate 11.25 11.50
Invalidity Allowance (transitional) for State Pension recipients Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher rate 22.35 22.90
Middle rate 14.40 14.70
Lower rate 7.20 7.35

Statutory Adoption Pay

Statutory Adoption Pay Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Earnings threshold 116.00 118.00
Standard Rate 145.18 148.68

Statutory Maternity Pay

Statutory Maternity Pay Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Earnings threshold 116.00 118.00
Standard rate 145.18 148.68

Statutory Paternity Pay

Statutory Paternity Pay Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Earnings threshold 116.00 118.00
Standard Rate 145.18 148.68

Statutory Shared Parental Pay

Statutory Shared Parental Pay Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Earnings threshold 116.00 118.00
Standard rate 145.18 148.68

Statutory Sick Pay

Statutory Sick Pay Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Earnings threshold 116.00 118.00
Standard rate 92.05 94.25

Universal Credit

Monthly rates

Minimum amount

Universal Credit minimum amount Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Universal Credit minimum amount 0.01 0.01

Standard allowance

Single

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 251.77 251.77
Single 25 or over 317.82 317.82

Couple

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 395.20 395.20
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 498.89 498.89

Child amounts

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
First child (born prior to 6 April 2017) 277.08 277.08
First child (born on or after 6 April 2017) or second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies) 231.67 231.67

Disabled child additions

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Lower rate addition 126.11 126.11
Higher rate addition 383.86 392.08

Limited capability for work

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Limited capability for work amount 126.11 126.11
Limited capability for work and work-related activity amount 328.32 336.20

Carer

Universal Credit amount Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Carer amount 156.45 160.20

Childcare costs amount

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Maximum for one child 646.35 646.35
Maximum for two or more children 1108.04 1108.04

Non-dependants

Non-dependants’ housing cost contributions Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Non-dependants’ housing cost contributions 72.16 73.89

Work allowances

Work allowances Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Higher work allowance (no housing amount)
one or more dependent children or limited capability for work		 409.00 503.00
Lower work allowance
one or more dependent children or limited capability for work		 198.00 287.00

Assumed income

Assumed income from capital Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Assumed income from capital for every £250 or part thereof, between capital disregard and upper capital limit 4.35 4.35

Universal Credit daily reduction

100% reduction – High, medium or low level sanctions apply

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 8.20 8.20
Single 25 or over 10.40 10.40
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 (per sanctioned claimant) 6.40 6.40
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over and one is sanctioned (per sanctioned claimant) 8.20 8.20

40% reduction – Lowest level sanction applies

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 3.30 3.30
Single 25 or over 4.10 4.10
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 (per sanctioned claimant) 2.50 2.50
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over (per sanctioned claimant) 3.20 3.20

Third Party Deductions

5% of Universal Credit standard allowance (excludes deductions for rent and service charges included in rent)

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 12.59 12.59
Single 25 or over 15.89 15.89
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 19.76 19.76
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 24.94 24.94

Deductions for fines

Maximum deductions for fines Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Maximum deductions for fines 108.35 108.35

Deductions for rent and service charges

Minimum deductions for rent and service charges included in rent at 10% of Universal Credit standard allowance (10% minimum introduced from November 2014).

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 25.18 25.18
Single 25 or over 31.78 31.78
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 39.52 39.52
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 49.89 49.89

Maximum deductions for rent and service charges included in rent at 20% of Universal Credit standard allowance (20% maximum introduced from November 2014).

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 50.35 50.35
Single 25 or over 63.56 63.56
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 79.04 79.04
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 99.78 99.78

Overall maximum deduction rate at 40% of Universal Credit standard allowance

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 100.71 100.71
Single 25 or over 127.13 127.13
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 158.08 158.08
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 199.56 199.56

Fraud overpayments, recoverable hardship payments and administrative penalties

40% of Universal Credit standard allowance

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 100.71 100.71
Single 25 or over 127.13 127.13
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 158.08 158.08
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 199.56 199.56

Ordinary overpayments

Ordinary overpayments and civil penalties at 15% of Universal Credit standard allowance.

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 37.77 37.77
Single 25 or over 47.67 47.67
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 59.28 59.28
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 74.83 74.83

Ordinary overpayments and civil penalties at 25% of Universal Credit standard allowance if claimant’s and/or partner’s earnings are over the work allowance.

Single Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Single under 25 62.94 62.94
Single 25 or over 79.46 79.46
Couple Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 98.80 98.80
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 124.72 124.72

Widow’s Benefit

Widow’s Mother’s Allowance

Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
117.10 119.90

Widow’s Pension

Standard rate Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
Standard rate 117.10 119.90

In the following table for age-related rates, refer to the age-points shown in brackets for deaths occurring before 11 April 1988.

Age-related rates Rates 2018 (£) Rates 2019 (£)
54 (49) 108.90 111.51
53 (48) 100.71 103.11
52 (47) 92.51 94.72
51 (46) 84.31 86.33
50 (45) 76.12 77.94
49 (44) 67.92 69.54
48 (43) 59.72 61.15
47 (42) 51.52 52.76
46 (41) 43.33 44.36
45 (40) 35.13 35.97

The Category C equivalent in Widow’s Pension (code: WPE) is still linked to the rate of Category C State Pension. Not relevant to the Order.

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