The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has implemented a positive rule change for Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Carer's Allowance, effective from May. This follows the April increase in benefit payments.
Benefit Increases Confirmed
BBC Morning Live star Laura Pomfret discussed the increases with hosts Rav Wilding and Holly Hamilton. She explained: "We had awful April, but we saw a positive thing in April, which is the increase in benefits, and we've had the first month of that now. They've gone up this tax year. Universal Credit, PIP, Carer's Allowance all increased. If you are on benefits, you should have been paid on Friday due to the bank holiday, so check that you received the higher amount."
Pomfret emphasized the importance of checking payments: "Make sure you've got that increase because we're talking about food prices rising."
Two-Child Benefit Cap Removed
Pomfret also highlighted a key change: "The DWP Universal Credit change this month that parents need to know is the removal of the restriction on the two-child benefit cap. You will now receive payment for all children you are entitled to. This applies to both new and existing parents."
She detailed the payment amounts: "For a first child born before April 6, 2017, you get £333 per month. For each additional child, it's £287.92 per month. Over a year, that's worth more than £3,400 per child. This is a big increase for families at a time when you need it most."
Pomfret advised: "Make sure we check that we've got what we're entitled to. This is the first month you should have received it. With food prices rising, we're going to need it."
