Policy paper

Benefit and pension rates 2021 to 2022

Updated 8 July 2021

Weekly rates unless otherwise shown.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher rate 89.15 89.60
Lower rate 59.70 60.00

Benefit cap

Rates introduced November 2016.

Annual level of benefit cap (Greater London) Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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
Annual level of benefit cap (rest of Great Britain) Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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

Bereavement Benefit

For deaths between 11 April 1998 and 5 April 2017.

Bereavement Benefit Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Widowed Parents Allowance 121.95 122.55

Bereavement Support Payment

For deaths occurring on or after 6 April 2017.

Bereavement Support Payment Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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

Capital limits

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

Capital limits Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Upper limit 16,000.00 16,000.00
Amount disregarded 6,000.00 6,000.00
Child disregard (not Employment and Support Allowance or Housing Benefit) 3,000.00 3,000.00
Amount disregarded (living in residential care or a nursing home) 10,000.00 10,000.00

Rules common to Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.

Capital limits Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Upper limit – Pension Credit and those getting Housing Benefit and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit No limit No limit
Amount disregarded – Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for those above the qualifying age for Pension Credit 10,000.00 10,000.00
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.

Tariff income – Pension Credit and Housing Benefit where claimant/partner is over State Pension 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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Carer’s Allowance 67.25 67.60

Deductions

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

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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
15.85 15.95
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Gross income: less than £149 15.85 15.95
Gross income: £149 to £216.99 36.45 36.65
Gross income: £217 to £282.99 50.05 50.30
Gross income: £283 to £376.99 81.90 82.30
Gross income: £377 to £468.99 93.25 93.70
Gross income: £469 and above 102.35 102.85

Deductions from Housing Benefit

Service charges for fuel

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Heating 34.30 34.30
Hot water 4.00 4.00
Lighting 2.75 2.75
Cooking 4.00 4.00

Amount ineligible for meals

3 or more meals a day Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single claimant 29.05 29.20
Each person in family aged 16 or over 29.05 29.20
Each child under 16 14.75 14.80
Less than 3 meals a day Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single claimant 19.35 19.45
Each person in family aged 16 or over 19.35 19.45
Each child under 16 9.70 9.75
Breakfast only - claimant and each member of the family 3.60 3.60

Amount for personal expenses (not Housing Benefit)

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Amount for personal expenses (not Housing Benefit) 26.05 26.20
Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Arrears of housing, fuel and water costs Council Tax etc. and deductions for Eligible Loan Deduction Scheme and Integration Loan Scheme 3.75 3.75

Child Maintenance deduction

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Standard deduction 8.40 8.40

Arrears of Community Charge

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Court order against claimant 3.75 3.75
Court order against couple 5.85 5.90

Fine or compensation order

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Standard rate 5.00 5.00
Lower rate 3.75 3.75

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

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Maximum deduction rates for recovery of overpayments (not contribution-based JSA or contribution-based ESA) ordinary overpayments 11.25 11.25

Fraud overpayments

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit only 18.75 18.75
Benefits (not Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit) 30.00 30.00

Deductions from contribution-based JSA and contribution-based ESA

Arrears of community charge and overpayment recovery

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Age 16 to 24 19.63 19.73
Age 25 and over 24.78 24.90

Arrears of council tax and fines

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Age 16 to 24 23.56 23.68
Age 25 and over 29.74 29.88

Maximum deduction for arrears of child maintenance

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
age 16 to 24 19.63 19.73
age 25 and over 24.78 24.90

Sanction reduction rate for New Style ESA and New Style JSA

Deductions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 25 - 8.40
25 and over - 10.60

Personal Allowance will be reduced in full when customer is subject to a sanction.

Dependency increases

Adult dependency increases for spouse or person looking after children

Dependency increases Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Long-term Incapacity Benefit 66.30 66.65
Unemployability Supplement 67.25 67.60
Severe Disablement Allowance 39.75 39.95
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age) 63.80 64.10
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under State Pension age) 51.65 51.90

Child Dependency Increases

Dependency increases Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Highest 89.15 89.60
Middle 59.70 60.00
Lowest 23.60 23.70
Disability Living Allowance mobility component Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher 62.25 62.55
Lower 23.60 23.70

Disregards

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit earnings disregards Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 140.00 143.00
Permitted work lower 20.00 20.00
Other income disregards Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Carer’s Allowance 128.00 128.00
Limit of earnings from councillor’s allowance 140.00 143.00
Permitted work earnings limit – higher 140.00 143.00
Permitted work earnings limit – lower 20.00 20.00
Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount) 7,280.00 7,436.00

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

Short-term incapacity benefit

Earnings rules Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Claimant under state pension age 51.65 51.90
Claimant over state pension age 63.80 64.10

Long-term Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Unemployability Supplement

Earnings rules Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Dependant is living with claimant 74.35 74.70
Dependant still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule 45.09 45.09

Dependant is not living with claimant

Earnings rules Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Long-term Incapacity Benefit 66.30 66.65
Unemployability Supplement 67.25 67.60
Severe Disablement Allowance 39.75 39.95

Earnings level at which child dependency increases are affected

Earnings rules Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
First child 245.00 245.00
Additional amount for each subsequent child 33.00 33.00

Pension income threshold

Earnings rules Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 25 58.90 59.20
25 or over 74.35 74.70

Lone parent

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 18 58.90 59.20
18 or over 74.35 74.70

Couple

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Both under 18 58.90 59.20
Both under 18 with child 89.00 89.45
Both under 18 (main phase) 74.35 74.70
Both under 18 with child (main phase) 116.80 117.40
One 18 or over, one under 18 (certain conditions apply) 116.80 117.40
Both over 18 116.80 117.40
Claimant under 25, partner under 18 58.90 59.20
Claimant 25 or over, partner under 18 74.35 74.70
Claimant (main phase), partner under 18 74.35 74.70

Premiums

Enhanced disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 17.10 17.20
Couple 24.50 24.60

Severe disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 66.95 67.30
Couple (lower rate) 66.95 67.30
Couple (higher rate) 133.90 134.60

Carer premium

Premium Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Carer 37.50 37.70

Pensioner premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single with work-related activity component 69.85 72.70
Single with support component 60.20 63.00
Single with no component 99.40 102.40
Couple with work-related activity component 118.85 123.20
Couple with support component 109.20 113.50
Couple with no component 148.40 152.90

Components

Components Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Work-related activity 29.55 29.70
Support 39.20 39.40

Housing Benefit

Personal allowances

Single

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 25 58.90 59.20
25 or over 74.35 74.70
Entitled to main phase ESA 74.35 74.70

Lone parent

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 18 58.90 59.20
18 or over 74.35 74.70
Entitled to main phase ESA 74.35 74.70

Couple

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Both under 18 89.00 89.45
One or both 18 or over 116.80 117.40
Claimant entitled to main phase ESA 116.80 117.40

Dependent children

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Dependent children 68.27 68.60

Pensioner

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single or lone parent – state pension age and over 187.75 191.15
Couple – one or both state pension age and over 280.85 286.05
Single or lone parent – reached state pension age on or after 1 April 2021 N/A 177.10
Couple – both reached state pension age on or after 1 April 2021 N/A 270.30
Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
For the claimant and the other party to the marriage where one or more of the members of the marriage are state pension age or over 280.85 286.05
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 state pension age or over 93.10 94.90
If the claimant is a member of a polygamous marriage and all of the members of the marriage have attained pensionable age on or after 1 April 2021
Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
For the claimant and the other party to the marriage N/A 270.30
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant N/A 93.20

Premiums

Family premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Family 17.60 17.65
Family (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20

Disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 34.95 35.10
Couple 49.80 50.05

Enhanced disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 17.10 17.20
Disabled child 26.60 26.67
Couple 24.50 24.60

Severe disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 66.95 67.30
Couple (lower rate) 66.95 67.30
Couple (higher rate) 133.90 134.60

Disabled child premium

Premium Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Disabled child: 65.52 65.94

Carer premium

Premium Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Carer 37.50 37.70

ESA components

Components Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Work-related activity 29.55 29.70
Support 39.20 39.40

Incapacity Benefit

Incapacity Benefit Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Long-term Incapacity Benefit 114.15 114.70
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under state pension age) Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Lower rate 86.10 86.55
Higher rate 101.90 102.40
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age) Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Lower rate 109.50 110.05
Higher rate 114.15 114.70
Increase of long-term Incapacity Benefit for age Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher rate 12.10 12.15
Lower rate 6.70 6.75
Invalidity Allowance (transitional) Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher rate 12.10 12.15
Middle rate 6.70 6.75
Lower rate 6.70 6.75

Income Support

Personal Allowances

Single

Personal Allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 25 58.90 59.20
25 or over 74.35 74.70

Lone parent

Personal Allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 18 58.90 59.20
18 or over 74.35 74.70

Couple

Personal Allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Both under 18 58.90 59.20
Both under 18 - higher rate 89.00 89.45
One under 18, one under 25 58.90 59.20
One under 18, one 25 and over 74.35 74.70
Both 18 or over 116.80 117.40

Dependent children

Personal Allowance Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Dependent children 68.27 68.60

Premiums

Family and lone parent premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Family and lone parent 17.60 17.65

Pensioner premium (couples only)

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Pensioner (applies to couples only) 148.40 152.90

Disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 34.95 35.10
Couple 49.80 50.05

Enhanced disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 17.10 17.20
Disabled child 26.60 26.67
Couple 24.50 24.60

Severe disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 66.95 67.30
Couple (lower rate) 66.95 67.30
Couple (higher rate) 133.90 134.60

Disabled child premium

Premium Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Disabled child 65.52 65.94

Carer premium

Premium Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Carer 37.50 37.70

Relevant sum for strikers

Relevant sum for strikers Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Relevant sum for strikers 41.00 41.00

Industrial Death Benefit

Widow’s pension Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher rate 134.25 137.60
Lower rate 40.28 41.28
Widower’s pension 134.25 137.60

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Standard rate (assessed level of disablement) Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
1.00 182.00 182.90
0.90 163.80 164.61
0.80 145.60 146.32
0.70 127.40 128.03
0.60 109.20 109.74
0.50 91.00 91.45
0.40 72.80 73.16
0.30 54.60 54.87
0.20 36.40 36.58
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum) Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum) 12,080.00 12,140.00
Unemployability Supplement Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Unemployability Supplement 112.55 113.10
Increase for early incapacity Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher rate 23.30 23.40
Middle rate 14.90 15.00
Lower rate 7.45 7.50
Maximum reduced earnings allowance Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Maximum reduced earnings allowance 72.80 73.16
Maximum retirement allowance Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Maximum retirement allowance 18.20 18.29

Constant Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Exceptional rate 145.60 146.40
Intermediate rate 109.20 109.80
Normal maximum rate 72.80 73.20
Part-time rate 36.40 36.60
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance 72.80 73.20

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Contribution-based JSA

Personal rates Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 25 58.90 59.20
25 or over 74.35 74.70

Income-based JSA personal allowances

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 25 58.90 59.20
25 or over 74.35 74.70

Lone parent

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Under 18 58.90 59.20
18 or over 74.35 74.70

Couple

Personal allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Both under 18 58.90 59.20
Both under 18 - higher rate 89.00 89.45
One under 18, one under 25 58.90 59.20
One under 18, one 25 and over 74.35 74.70
Both 18 or over 116.80 117.40

Dependent children

Personal allowance Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Dependent children 68.27 68.60

Income-based JSA premiums

Family and lone parent premium

Premium Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Family and lone parent 17.60 17.65

Pensioner premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 99.40 102.40
Couple 148.40 152.90

Disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 34.95 35.10
Couple 49.80 50.05

Enhanced disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 17.10 17.20
Disabled child 26.60 26.67
Couple 24.50 24.60

Severe disability premium

Premiums Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 66.95 67.30
Couple (lower rate) 66.95 67.30
Couple (higher rate) 133.90 134.60

Disabled child premium

Premium Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Disabled child 65.52 65.94

Carer premium

Premium Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Carer 37.50 37.70

Prescribed sum for strikers

Prescribed sum for strikers Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Prescribed sum for strikers 41.00 41.00

Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Standard rate 151.20 151.97
Maternity Allowance threshold 30.00 30.00

Pension Credit

Standard minimum guarantee Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 173.75 177.10
Couple 265.20 270.30
Additional amount for severe disability Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Single 66.95 67.30
Couple (one qualifies) 66.95 67.30
Couple (both qualify) 133.90 134.60
Additional amount for carers Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Additional amount for carers 37.50 37.70
Savings Credit Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Threshold - single 150.47 153.70
Threshold - couple 239.17 244.12
Maximum - single 13.97 14.04
Maximum - couple 15.62 15.71
Children Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
First child born before 6 April 2017 64.82 65.10
Subsequent children 54.32 54.60
Disabled child Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Lower rate 29.52 29.66
Higher rate 92.12 92.54
Polygamous marriage Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage 265.20 270.30
Additional amount for additional spouse 91.45 93.20
Non-State Pensions Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Non-State Pensions (for Pension Credit purposes)
Statutory minimum increase to non-state pensions
1.70% 0.50%

Personal Independence Payment

Daily living component Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Enhanced 89.15 89.60
Standard 59.70 60.00
Mobility component Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Enhanced 62.25 62.55
Standard 23.60 23.70

Severe Disablement Allowance

Basic rate Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Basic rate 80.85 81.25
Age-related addition (from December 1990) Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher rate 12.10 12.15
Middle rate 6.70 6.75
Lower rate 6.70 6.75

State Pension

New State Pension

New State Pension Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Full rate 175.20 179.60
Transitional rate below full rate 3.9146% 2.5114%
Protected payment 1.70% 0.50%
Increments – own (based on deferred new State Pension) 1.70% 0.50%
Increments – inherited (based on deferred old State Pension) 1.70% 0.50%

Old State Pension

Category Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Category A or B basic pension 134.25 137.60
Category B (lower) basic pension - spouse or civil partner’s insurance 80.45 82.45
Category C or D - non-contributory 80.45 82.45
Additional pension Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Additional pension 1.70% 0.50%
Maximum additional pension (own and inherited) £179.41 £180.31
Increments Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Basic pension 1.70% 0.50%
Additional pension 1.70% 0.50%
Graduated Retirement Benefit 1.70% 0.50%
Inheritable lump sum 1.70% 0.50%
Contracted-out deduction Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 1.70% 0.50%
Graduated Retirement Benefit Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) 0.1440 0.1447
Increase of long term incapacity for age Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Increase of long term incapacity for age 1.70% 0.50%
Age 80 addition Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Addition at age 80 0.25 0.25
Increase of long term incapacity for age Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher rate 23.30 23.40
Lower rate 11.70 11.75
Invalidity Allowance (transitional) for State Pension recipients Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher rate 23.30 23.40
Middle rate 14.90 15.00
Lower rate 7.45 7.50

Statutory Adoption Pay

Statutory Adoption Pay Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Earnings threshold 120.00 120.00
Standard Rate 151.20 151.97

Statutory Maternity Pay

Statutory Maternity Pay Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Earnings threshold 120.00 120.00
Standard rate 151.20 151.97

Statutory Paternity Pay

Statutory Paternity Pay Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Earnings threshold 120.00 120.00
Standard Rate 151.20 151.97

Statutory Shared Parental Pay

Statutory Shared Parental Pay Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Earnings threshold 120.00 120.00
Standard Rate 151.20 151.97

Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay

Statutory Shared Parental Pay Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Earnings threshold 120.00 120.00
Standard Rate 151.20 151.97

Statutory Sick Pay

Statutory Sick Pay Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Earnings threshold 120.00 120.00
Standard rate 95.85 96.35

Universal Credit

Monthly rates

Minimum amount

Universal Credit minimum amount Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Universal Credit minimum amount 0.01 0.01

Standard allowance

Single

April 2021 to September 2021:

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 342.72 344.00*
Single 25 or over 409.89 411.51*

*Rates have been temporarily increased by the Universal Credit (Extension of Coronavirus Measures) Regulations 2021/313

October 2021 to March 2022:

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 256.05 257.33
Single 25 or over 323.22 324.84

Couple

April 2021 to September 2021:

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 488.59 490.60*
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 594.04 596.58*

*Rates have been temporarily increased by the Universal Credit (Extension of Coronavirus Measures) Regulations 2021/313

October 2021 to March 2022:

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 401.92 403.93
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 507.37 509.91

Child amounts

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
First child (born prior to 6 April 2017) 281.25 282.50
First child (born on or after 6 April 2017) or second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies) 235.83 237.08

Disabled child additions

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Lower rate addition 128.25 128.89
Higher rate addition 400.29 402.41

Limited capability for work

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Limited capability for work amount 128.25 128.89
Limited capability for work and work-related activity amount 341.92 343.63

Carer

Universal Credit amount Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Carer amount 162.92 163.73

Childcare costs amount

Universal Credit amounts Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
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 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Non-dependants’ housing cost contributions 75.15 75.53

Work allowances

Work allowances Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Higher work allowance (no housing amount)
one or more dependent children or limited capability for work
512.00 515.00
Lower work allowance
one or more dependent children or limited capability for work
292.00 293.00

Universal Credit daily sanction reduction rate

100% sanction reduction rate

April 2021 to September 2021:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 8.40 11.30
Single 25 or over 10.60 13:50
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 (per sanctioned claimant) 6.60 8.00
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over and one is sanctioned (per sanctioned claimant) 8.30 9.80

October 2021 to March 2022:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 8.40 8.40
Single 25 or over 10.60 10.60
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 (per sanctioned claimant) 6.60 6.60
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over and one is sanctioned (per sanctioned claimant) 8.30 8.30

40% sanction reduction rate

April 2021 to September 2021:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 3.30 4.50
Single 25 or over 4.20 5.40
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 (per sanctioned claimant) 2.60 3.20
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over (per sanctioned claimant) 3.30 3.90

October 2021 to March 2022:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 3.30 3.30
Single 25 or over 4.20 4.20
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 (per sanctioned claimant) 2.60 2.60
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over (per sanctioned claimant) 3.30 3.30

Third Party Deductions

Third Party Deductions (excludes deductions for rent and service charges included in rent) and court fines at 5% of Universal Credit standard allowance

April 2021 to September 2021:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 12.80 17.20
Single 25 or over 16.16 20.58
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 20.10 24.53
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 25.37 29.83

October 2021 to March 2022:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 12.80 12.87
Single 25 or over 16.16 16.24
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 20.10 20.20
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 25.37 25.50

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)

April 2021 to September 2021:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 25.61 34.40
Single 25 or over 32.32 41.15
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 40.19 49.06
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 50.74 59.66

October 2021 to March 2022:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 25.61 25.73
Single 25 or over 32.32 32.48
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 40.19 40.39
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 50.74 50.99

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

April 2021 to September 2021:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 51.21 68.80
Single 25 or over 64.64 82.30
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 80.38 98.12
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 101.47 119.32

October 2021 to March 2022:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 51.21 51.47
Single 25 or over 64.64 64.97
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 80.38 80.79
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 101.47 101.98

Overall maximum deduction rate at 25% of Universal Credit standard allowance

April 2021 to September 2021

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 76.82 86.00
Single 25 or over 96.97 102.88
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 120.58 122.65
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 152.21 149.15

October 2021 to March 2022

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 76.82 64.33
Single 25 or over 96.97 81.21
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 120.58 100.98
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 152.21 127.48

Fraud overpayments, recoverable hardship payments and administrative penalties

25% of Universal Credit standard allowance

April 2021 to September 2021

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 76.82 86.00
Single 25 or over 96.97 102.88
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 120.58 122.65
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 152.21 149.15

October 2021 to March 2022

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 76.82 64.33
Single 25 or over 96.97 81.21
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 120.58 100.98
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 152.21 127.48

Child maintenance deduction

Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
36.40 36.40

Ordinary overpayments

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

April 2021 to September 2021:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 38.41 51.60
Single 25 or over 48.48 61.73
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 60.29 73.59
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 76.11 89.49

October 2021 to March 2022:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 38.41 38.60
Single 25 or over 48.48 48.73
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 60.29 60.59
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 76.11 76.49

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

April 2021 to September 2021:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Single under 25 64.01 86.00
Single 25 or over 80.81 102.88
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates April 2021 to September 2021 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 100.48 122.65
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 126.84 149.15

October 2021 to March 2022:

Single Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Single under 25 64.01 64.33
Single 25 or over 80.81 81.21
Couple Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates October 2021 to March 2022 (£)
Joint claimants both under 25 100.48 100.98
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 126.84 127.48

Capital limit - Universal Credit

Capital limit Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Upper limit 16,000.00 16,000.00
Amount disregarded 6,000.00 6,000.00
Assumed income from capital for every £250 or part thereof, between capital disregard and upper capital limit 4.35 4.35

Widow’s Benefit

Widow’s Mother’s Allowance

Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
121.95 122.55

Widow’s Pension

Standard rate Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
Standard rate 121.95 122.55
Age-related rates Rates 2020 to 2021 (£) Rates 2021 to 2022 (£)
54 113.41 113.97
53 104.88 105.39
52 96.34 96.81
51 87.80 88.24
50 79.27 79.66
49 70.73 71.08
48 62.19 62.50
47 53.66 53.92
46 45.12 45.34
45 36.59 36.77