Guidance

A1/2020: Housing Benefit: Uprating 2020/21 (4th revision)

Updated 10 February 2021

Who should read

All Housing Benefit (HB) staff

Action

For information

Revisions

4th revision

As part of the government’s response to COVID 19, changes have now been made to Universal Credit which affect the rates shown in the following Appendix: Appendix C Annex 5:UC rates (monthly rates).

3rd revision

As part of the Government’s response to COVID 19, changes have been made to the basic rate of Working Tax Credits and the Additional Earnings disregard which affect the rates shown in the following Appendices:

Appendix A: Additional earnings disregard increased for 2020

Appendix B: Additional earnings disregard increased for 2020

Appendix E: Working Tax Credits basic rate increased for 2020

Guidance Manual

The information in this circular does affect the content of the HB Guidance Manual and the HB/CTB Overpayments Guide.

HB Guidance Manual: Please annotate this circular number against paragraph A4 4.750, 4.900, A5 Annex A, BW3 Annex A and BP3 Annex A.

HB/CTB Overpayments Guide: Please annotate this circular number against paragraphs 4.260 – 4.264.

Queries

For queries about the:

Introduction

1. In her written statement to Parliament on 04 November 2019, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced proposals for the social security benefit rates that will apply from April 2020.

2. This circular advises you of the rates so you can take the appropriate action. Note: At the time of writing, the Orders or regulations bringing the changes into effect are still subject to the appropriate Parliamentary process.

3. Any queries about the information contained in this circular should be emailed to [email protected]

Timing

4. In line with previous practice, the main Housing Benefit (HB) uprating will be introduced in advance of the setting of the main social security benefit rates. To coincide with the week in which many rents change, the 2020 uprating will take effect on:

  • Wednesday 1 April 2020 for cases to which HB 2006 Regulation 79(3)(a)(i) (for Working Age customers) and HB (SPC) 2006 Regulation 59(3)(a)(i) (for people who have attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit) applies, when rent is paid monthly or at any interval which is not a week or multiples of a week
  • Monday 6 April 2020 for cases to which HB 2006 Regulation 79(3)(a)(ii) (for working age customers) and HB (SPC) 2006 Regulation 59(3)(a)(ii) (for people who have attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit) applies, when rent is paid on a weekly basis (or multiple of a week)

5. The main points are:

  • the basic State Retirement Pension and the full rate of the new State Retirement Pension are being uprated by 3.9% in line with the government’s ’triple lock’ commitment
  • the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit is being increased by 3.9% (average weekly earnings (AWE)). The Savings Credit maximum is increased by 1.7% Consumer Prices Index (CPI)
  • premiums paid to pensioner recipients of working age benefits will continue to be uprated to match Pension Credit rates
  • premiums paid to disabled people receiving working age benefits and to Employment and Support Allowance claimants in the Support Group, will increase in 2020-21 as CPI was 1.7% in September 2019
  • Working Age benefits (main rates and certain premiums and additions), including the main elements of UC and HB personal allowances will increase from April 2020

6. The higher and middle rate invalidity allowances and age additions payable with Incapacity Benefit (IB) will be increased from April 2020.

Uprating of social security benefits: general

7. The following Regulations allow you to take account of these rates on 1 April as appropriate:

  • HB 2006 Regulations 42(8) and 79(3)
  • HB (SPC) 2006 Regulations 41(9), 41(10) and 59(3) – Associated guidance is set out in HB/CTB Guidance Manual at BP2 P2.790

8. There is no provision in regulations to uprate a claimant’s social security benefit other than by using the correct amount. Most claimants will know their rates of benefit well before April each year.

9. We are aware that many local authorities’ (LAs’) IT systems apply a percentage increase to uprate income from other social security benefits in the assessment of HB. In previous years we have advised that this method should, in most cases, produce accurate results; providing the LA has satisfied itself as to the accuracy of its method, it should be able to meet its duty to make proper determinations.

10. However, given the fact that in recent years some of the components paid in addition to the main rates of some benefits and the main rates themselves have been uprated by different indices, LAs should consider carefully whether applying standard percentages will result in correct determinations.

11. LAs should also take into account that specific Automated Transfers to LA Systems (ATLAS) uprating notifications are issued for all benefits on the Customer Information System except for:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • State Retirement Pension
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Severe Disability Allowance
  • Bereavement Benefits
  • Widow’s Benefit

12. Should an LA decide to apply a percentage increase to uprate income, as a minimum, any information subsequently received via ATLAS should be compared with existing LA system data to ensure it matches.

13. The Department for Work and Pensions has worked with LA IT Software Suppliers to develop a solution to automate the Pensions Strategy Computer System (PSCS) uprating process from December 2019 in time for April 2020 uprating activity. The new PSCS uprating solution will allow LAs to use an Application Programme Interface (API) to look up the PSCS benefit amount when needed and will remove the requirement for LAs to manually apply the uprating increase to the PSCS amount when conducting their yearly uprating review of customers’ HB claim as the uprating process will be automated.

14. This solution is available for all LAs that are live with the Customer Information System (CIS) Interest Automation and completed the connectivity and testing for the PSCS solution. Full guidance on use will be provided by LA Software Suppliers. If you require further information regarding the new PSCS solution, you should email [email protected]

Tax Credits

15. Any changes to Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit (see Appendix E: Annex 1) will be effective from 6 April 2020 in line with the start of the new tax year.

16. ATLAS will notify tax credit information to LAs. All the current and new tax credit rates will available on www.gov.uk from April 2020.

War Pensions

17. The new rates for War Pensions are not yet available and details of the new rates will be issued via a separate circular once the Veterans UK release the figures.

Specific points of interest

Non-dependant deductions in HB

18. The deduction and income bands for 2020-21 are at Appendices A and B.

Disregards in HB which remain unchanged

19. The childcare disregards in HB in line with Working Tax Credit weekly equivalents, remain at:

  • £175.00 for one child
  • £300.00 for two or more children

20. The additional earnings disregard in HB that can be applied to those entitled to Working Tax Credit remains at £17.10. See HB Guidance manual BW2 paragraphs BW2.132-2.140.

Deductions for ineligible fuel charges

21. The CPI for fuel and lighting in September 2019 was 4.9% and the government has decided to increase the rates for statutory fuel deductions from HB for 2020-21. The rates for statutory fuel deductions are shown in Appendix A.

One room rate deduction

22. The formula for the one room rate deduction is set out in HB Regulations 2006 at Schedule 1, part 2, paragraph 6(2)(a) to (c) and (3). Sub-paragraph (3) states the ineligible amount for service charges when the accommodation consists of only one room shall be one half of the aggregate of the amounts specified in sub-paragraph (2)(a), (b) and (c), see Appendices A and B.

State Pension Credit: maximum Savings Credit

23. The amount of the maximum Savings Credit will be £13.97 for a single person and £15.62 for a couple. These figures cannot be used to calculate a likely Savings Credit entitlement from April 2019. Savings Credit is calculated on an individual basis, using the income and capital of that person. In addition, HB (SPC) Regulation 27 states that the Pension Service calculation of income, capital and Savings Credit must be used.

National Insurance contribution rates

24. A full set of rates for 2020-21 will be available on www.gov.uk from 6 April 2020.

Establishing eligible rent

25. The calculation of eligible rent for a claimant renting in the social and private sectors is not affected by this circular or by the uprating of benefits overall. It continues to subject to the rules in Part 3 of the HB Regulations 2006 and Part 3 of the HB (SPC) Regulations 2006.

Housing Benefit for people of working age: Appendix A

Housing Benefit rates for people who have not reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit April 2019 £ weekly April 2020 £ weekly
Personal Allowances    
Single    
16 to 24 57.90 58.90
25 or over 73.10 74.35
Any age - entitled to main phase rate Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 73.10 74.35
Lone parent    
Under 18 57.90 58.90
18 or over 73.10 74.35
Any age - entitled to main phase rate ESA 73.10 74.35
Couple    
Both under 18 87.50 89.00
One or both over 18 114.85 116.80
Any age - entitled to main phase rate ESA 114.85 116.80
Polygamous marriages    
If the claimant is a member of a polygamous marriage and no members of the marriage have attained pensionable age    
For the claimant and the other party to the marriage 114.85 116.80
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant 41.75 42.45
Dependent children    
From birth to September following 16th birthday 66.90 68.27
From September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday 66.90 68.27
Premiums    
Family Premium 17.45 17.60
Family Premium (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20
Disability Premium    
Single 34.35 34.95
Couple 48.95 49.80
Enhanced Disability Premium    
Single rate 16.80 17.10
Couple rate 24.10 24.50
Disabled child rate 26.04 26.60
Severe Disability Premium    
Single 65.85 66.95
Couple (one qualifies) 65.85 66.95
Couple (both qualify) 131.70 133.90
Disabled Child Premium 64.19 65.52
Carer Premium 36.85 37.50
Components ESA income related (IR) and ESA (contribution-based)    
Work-related activity component 29.05 29.55
Support component 38.55 39.20
Deductions    
Non-dependant deductions    
Aged under 25 and on Income Support (IS) or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA(IB)) or ESA(IR) which does not include an amount for the support component or work-related activity component or UC where the award is calculated on the basis that the non-dependant does not have any earned income Nil Nil
Aged 25 or over and on IS or JSA(IB), or aged 18 or over and not in remunerative work 15.60 15.85
In receipt of main phase ESA(IR) (any age) 15.60 15.85
In receipt of Pension Credit Nil Nil
Aged over 18 or over and in remunerative work    
- gross income: less than £149 15.60 15.85
- gross income: £149 to £216.99 35.85 36.45
- gross income: £217 to £282.99 49.20 50.05
- gross income: £283 to £376.99 80.55 81.90
- gross income: £377 to £468.99 91.70 93.25
- gross income: £469 and above 100.65 102.35
Fuel deductions    
Heating 32.70 34.30
Hot water 3.80 4.00
Lighting 2.60 2.75
Cooking 3.80 4.00
All fuel 42.90 45.05
Fuel deductions one room    
Heating and hot water and/or lighting 19.55 20.53
Cooking 3.80 4.00
Amounts ineligible for meals    
Three or more meals a day    
Single claimant 28.55 29.05
Each person in family aged 16 or over 28.55 29.05
Each child under 16 14.50 14.75
Less than 3 meals a day    
Single claimant 19.05 19.35
Each person in the family aged 16 or over 19.05 19.35
Each child under 16 9.55 9.70
Breakfast only - claimant and each member of family 3.55 3.60
Disregards    
Childcare charges 175.00 175.00
Childcare charges (2 or more children) 300.00 300.00
Additional earnings 17.10 37.10
Income from sub-tenants 20.00 20.00
Permitted earnings - higher 131.50 140.00
Permitted earnings - lower 20.00 20.00
Recovery of overpayments    
Non-fraudulent overpayments 11.10 11.25
Fraudulent overpayments 18.50 18.75
Direct Earnings Attachment Amount deducted by employer using legislative rates in the tables    
Capital limits    
Upper limit 16,000 16,000
Lower limit 6,000 6,000

Housing Benefit for people of State Pension Credit age: Appendix B

Housing Benefit rates for people who have reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit April 2019 £ Weekly April 2020 £ Weekly
Personal Allowances    
Single claimant who has attained pensionable age 181.00 187.75
Lone parent who has attained pensionable age 181.00 187.75
Couple    
One member or both members have attained pensionable age 270.60 280.85
Polygamous Marriages    
If the claimant is a member of a polygamous marriage and one or more of the members of the marriage have attained pensionable age    
For the claimant and the other party to the marriage 270.60 280.85
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant 89.60 93.10
Dependent children    
From birth to September following 16th birthday 66.90 68.27
From September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday 66.90 68.27
Premiums    
Family Premium 17.45 17.60
Severe Disability Premium    
Single 65.85 66.95
Couple (one qualifies) 65.85 66.95
Couple (both qualify) 131.70 133.90
Enhanced Disability Premium    
Disabled child rate 26.04 26.60
Disabled Child Premium 64.19 65.52
Carer Premium 36.85 37.50
Non-dependant deductions    
Aged under 25 and on Income Support (IS) or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA(IB)) or ESA(IR) which does not include an amount for the support component or work-related activity component or UC where the award is calculated on the basis that the non-dependant does not have any earned income Nil Nil
Aged 25 or over and on IS or JSA(IB) or aged over 18 or over and not in remunerative work 15.60 15.85
In receipt of main phase ESA(IR) (any age) 15.60 15.85
In receipt of State Pension Credit Nil Nil
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work    
- gross income: less than £149 15.60 15.85
- gross income: £149 to £216.99 35.85 36.45
- gross income: £217 to £282.99 49.20 50.05
- gross income: £283 to £376.99 80.55 81.90
- gross income: £377 to £468.99 91.70 93.25
- gross income: £469 and above 100.65 102.35
Fuel deductions    
Heating 32.70 34.30
Hot water 3.80 4.00
Lighting 2.60 2.75
Cooking 3.80 4.00
All fuel 42.90 45.05
Fuel deductions for one room    
Heating, hot water and/or lighting 19.55 20.53
Cooking 3.80 4.00
Amounts ineligible for meals    
Three or more meals a day    
Single claimant 28.55 29.05
Each person in family aged 16 or over 28.55 29.05
Each child under 16 14.50 14.75
Less than 3 meals a day    
Single claimant 19.05 19.35
Each person in family aged 16 or over 19.05 19.35
Each child under 16 9.55 9.70
Breakfast only - claimant and each member of family 3.55 3.60
Disregards    
Childcare charges 175.00 175.00
Childcare charges (2 or more children) 300.00 300.00
Additional earnings disregard 17.10 37.10
Income from subtenants 20.00 20.00
Permitted earnings - higher 131.50 140.00
Permitted earnings - lower 20.00 20.00
Recovery of Overpayments    
Standard Rate (Non-fraud debt) 11.10 11.25
Maximum Rate (Fraud classified debt) 18.50 18.75
Capital limits    
Upper limit – State Pension Credit guarantee credit NOT in payment 16,000 16,000
Upper limit – State Pension Credit guarantee credit in payment No limit No limit
Lower limit – above the qualifying age for State Pension Credit 10,000 10,000

Income Support rates: Appendix C – Annex 1

Income Support rates April 2019 £ weekly April 2020 £ 2020
Personal Allowances    
Single    
Under 25 57.90 58.90
Aged 25 or over 73.10 74.35
Lone parent    
Under 18 57.90 58.90
Aged 18 or over 73.10 74.35
Couple    
Both under 18 57.90 58.90
Both under 18 - higher rate (for example, with responsibility for a child) 87.50 89.00
One under 18, one 18 to 24 57.90 58.90
One under 18, one aged 25 or over 73.10 74.35
Both 18 or over 114.85 116.80
Dependent children    
Birth to September following 16th birthday 66.90 68.27
From September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday 66.90 68.27
Premiums    
Family Premium 17.45 17.60
Family Premium (lone parent rate) 17.45 17.60
Pensioner Premium (couples only) 140.40 148.40
Disability Premium    
Single 34.35 34.95
Couple 48.95 49.80
Enhanced Disability Premium    
Single 16.80 17.10
Couple 24.10 24.50
Disabled child rate 26.04 26.60
Severe Disability Premium    
Single 65.85 66.95
Couple (one qualifies) 65.85 66.95
Couple (both qualify) 131.70 133.90
Disabled child premium 64.19 65.52
Carer Premium 36.85 37.50
Capital limits    
Upper 16,000 16,000
Lower 6,000 6,000

Jobseeker’s Allowance rates: Appendix C – Annex 2

Jobseeker’s Allowance rates April 2019 £ weekly April 2020 £ weekly
Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance    
Personal Rates    
Under 25 57.90 58.90
Aged 25 or over 73.10 74.35
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance    
Personal Allowances    
Single    
Under 25 57.90 58.90
Aged 25 or over 73.10 74.35
Lone parent    
Under 18 57.90 58.90
18 or over 73.10 74.35
Couple    
Both under 18 57.90 58.90
Both under 18 – higher rate (for example with responsibility for a child) 87.50 89.00
One under 18, one 18 to 24 57.90 58.90
One under 18, one aged 25 or over 73.10 74.35
Both 18 or over 114.85 116.80
Dependent children    
Birth to September following 16th birthday 66.90 68.27
From September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday 66.90 68.27
Premiums    
Family Premium 17.45 17.60
Family Premium (lone parent rate) 17.45 17.60
Pensioner Premium    
Single 94.15 99.40
Couple 140.40 148.40
Disability Premium    
Single 34.35 34.95
Couple 48.95 49.80
Enhanced Disability Premium    
Single 16.80 17.10
Couple 24.10 24.50
Disabled child rate 26.04 26.60
Severe Disability Premium    
Single 65.85 66.95
Couple (one qualifies) 65.85 66.95
Couple (both qualify) 131.70 133.90
Disabled child premium 64.19 65.52
Carer Premium 36.85 37.50
Capital limits    
Upper 16,000 16,000
Lower 6,000 6,000

Employment and Support Allowance rates: Appendix C – Annex 3

Employment and Support Allowance rates April 2019 £ weekly April 2020 £ weekly
Personal Allowances    
Single    
Under 25 and in Assessment Phase 57.90 58.90
Aged 25 or over 73.10 74.35
Any age and in Main Phase 73.10 74.35
Lone parent    
Aged under 18 and in Assessment Phase 57.90 58.90
Aged 18 or over 73.10 74.35
Any age and in Main Phase 73.10 74.35
Couple    
Both under 18 and in Assessment Phase 57.90 58.90
Both under 18 with responsibility for a child and in Assessment Phase 87.50 89.00
Both under 18 and in Main Phase 73.10 74.35
Both under 18 with responsibility for a child and in Main Phase 114.85 116.80
One 18 or over and the other while under 18, also satisfies certain conditions 114.85 116.80
Both 18 or over 114.85 116.80
Claimant under 25 and in Assessment Phase and partner under 18 57.90 58.90
Claimant 25 or over and in Assessment Phase and partner under 18 73.10 74.35
Claimant in Main Phase and partner under 18 73.10 74.35
Premiums    
Carer Premium 36.85 37.50
Enhanced Disability Premium    
Single 16.80 17.10
Couple 24.10 24.50
Pensioner Premium    
Single and in Assessment Phase 94.15 99.40
Single, entitled to work-related activity component 65.10 69.85
Single, entitled to support component 55.60 60.20
Couple, and in Assessment Phase 140.40 148.40
Couple, entitled to work-related activity component 111.35 118.85
Couple, entitled to support component 101.85 109.20
Severe Disability Premium    
Single 65.85 66.95
Couple (one qualifies) 65.85 66.95
Couple (both qualify) 131.70 133.90
Components    
Work-related activity component 29.05 29.55
Support component 38.55 39.20
Capital limits    
Upper 16,000 16,000
Lower 6,000 6,000

State Pension Credit rates: Appendix C – Annex 4

State Pension Credit rates April 2019 £ weekly April 2020 £ weekly
Standard Guarantee Credit    
Single 167.25 173.75
Couple 255.25 265.20
Additional amount for severe disability    
Single 65.85 66.95
Couple (one qualifies) 65.85 66.95
Couple (both qualify) 131.70 133.90
Polygamous marriages    
Amount for claimant and first spouse 255.25 265.20
Amount for additional spouse 88.00 91.40
Additional amount for Carers (Carer Premium) 36.85 37.50
Savings credit    
Threshold – single 144.38 150.47
Threshold – couple 229.67 239.17
Maximum – single 13.72 13.97
Maximum – couple 15.35 15.62
Dependent children    
First child born before 1 April 2017 63.84 64.82
Subsequent children 53.34 54.32
Disabled child    
Lower rate 29.02 29.52
Higher rate 90.23 92.12

UC rates (monthly rates): Appendix C – Annex 5

UC rates (monthly rates) April 2019 £ weekly April 2020 £ weekly
Standard Allowance / Element    
Single    
Under 25 251.77 342.72
25 or over 317.82 409.89
Couple    
Both under 25 395.20 488.59
One or both 25 or over 498.89 594.04
Child element    
First child 277.08 281.25
Second or subsequent child 231.67 235.83
Additional amount for disabled child or qualifying young person    
Lower rate 126.11 128.25
Higher rate 392.08 400.29
Limited capability for work / limited capability for work and work-related activity elements    
Limited capability for work 126.11 128.25
Limited capability for work and work-related activity 336.20 341.92
Non-dependants’ housing cost contributions 73.89 75.15
Carer Element 160.20 162.92

Other contributory and non-contributory social security rates: Appendix D

Other contributory and non-contributory social security rates April 2019 £ weekly April 2020 £ weekly
Attendance Allowance    
Higher rate 87.65 89.15
Lower rate 58.70 59.70
Bereavement Benefits    
Widowed Parent’s Allowance 119.90 121.95
Bereavement Allowance    
Standard Rate 119.90 121.95
Age-related rate    
Age 54 111.51 113.41
Age 53 103.11 104.88
Age 52 94.72 96.34
Age 51 86.33 87.80
Age 50 77.94 79.27
Age 49 69.54 70.73
Age 48 61.15 62.19
Age 47 52.76 53.66
Age 46 44.36 45.12
Age 45 35.97 36.59
Bereavement Support Payment    
Lump sum    
Higher rate 3,500 3,500
Lower rate 2,500 2,500
Monthly payments    
Higher rate 350.00 350.00
Lower rate 100.00 100.00
Carer’s Allowance    
Standard rate 66.15 67.25
Disability Living Allowance    
Care component    
Higher rate 87.65 89.15
Middle rate 58.70 59.70
Lower rate 23.20 23.60
Mobility component    
Higher rate 61.20 62.25
Lower rate 23.20 23.60
Incapacity Benefit    
Long-term Incapacity Benefit    
Single 112.25 114.15
Spouse or adult dependant (where appropriate) 65.20 66.30
Short term Incapacity Benefit (under pension age)    
Lower rate 84.65 86.10
Higher rate 100.20 101.90
Spouse or adult dependant (where appropriate) 50.80 51.65
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over pension age)    
Lower rate 107.65 109.50
Higher rate 112.25 114.15
Spouse or adult dependant (where appropriate) 62.75 63.80
Increase of long-term Incapacity Benefit for age    
Higher rate 11.90 12.10
Lower rate 6.60 6.70
Invalidity Allowance (transitional) for Incapacity Benefit recipients    
Higher rate 11.90 12.10
Middle rate 6.60 6.70
Lower rate 6.60 6.70
Industrial Death Benefit    
Widow’s Pension    
Higher rate 129.20 134.25
Lower rate 38.76 40.28
Widower’s pension 129.20 134.25
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit    
Disablement Benefit (100% assessment) 179.00 182.00
Unemployability supplement 110.65 112.55
Reduced earnings allowance (maximum) 71.60 72.80
Maternity Allowance    
Standard Rate 148.68 151.20
Threshold 30.00 30.00
Personal Independence Payment    
Daily Living Component    
Standard Rate 58.70 59.70
Enhanced Rate 87.65 89.15
Mobility component    
Standard rate 23.20 23.60
Enhanced rate 61.20 62.25
Severe Disablement Allowance    
Basic rate 79.50 80.85
Spouse or other adult dependant (where appropriate) 39.10 39.75
Age-related additions    
Higher rate 11.90 12.10
Middle rate 6.60 6.70
Lower rate 6.60 6.70
State Retirement Pension    
Category A or B (Single Person) 129.20 134.25
Category B (lower) - spouse or civil partner’s insurance 77.45 80.45
Category C (higher) or Category D non-contributory 77.45 80.45
Additional State Pension - rate may vary 2.40% 1.70%
Increments to:    
Basic State Pension 2.40% 1.70%
Additional State Pension 2.40% 1.70%
Graduated Retirement Benefit 2.40% 1.70%
Inheritable lump sum 2.40% 1.70%
Addition at age 80 0.25 0.25
Increase in respect of long-term incapacity for age: 2.40% 1.70%
Higher rate 22.90 23.30
Lower rate 11.50 11.70
Invalidity Allowance (transitional)    
Higher rate 22.90 23.30
Middle rate 14.70 14.90
Lower rate 7.35 7.45
New State Pension 168.60 175.20
Statutory Adoption Pay    
Earnings threshold 118.00 120.00
Standard rate 148.68 151.20
Statutory Maternity Pay    
Earnings threshold 118.00 120.00
Standard rate 148.68 151.20
Statutory Paternity Pay    
Earnings threshold 118.00 120.00
Standard rate 148.68 151.20
Statutory Shared Parental Pay    
Earnings threshold 118.00 120.00
Standard rate 148.68 151.20
Statutory Sick Pay    
Earnings threshold 118.00 120.00
Standard rate 94.25 95.85

Non-social security payments and rates: Appendix E

Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance rates 2019-2020 £ a year (unless stated) 2020-21 £ a year (unless stated)
Working Tax Credit    
Basic element 1,960 3,040
Couple and lone parent element 2,010 2,045
Thirty Hour element 810 825
Disabled worker element 3,165 3,220
Severe disability element 1,365 1,390
Childcare element of Working Tax Credit    
Maximum eligible cost of one child (per week) 175 175
Maximum eligible cost for two or more children (per week) 300 300
Percentage of eligible costs covered 70% 70%
Child Tax Credit    
Family element 545 545
Child element 2,780 2,830
Disabled child element 3,355 3,415
Severely disabled child element 4,715 4,800
Income thresholds and withdrawal rates    
Income threshold 6,420 6,530
Withdrawal rate (per cent %) 41% 41%
Threshold for those entitled to Child Tax Credit only 16,105 16,385
Income rise disregard 2,500 2,500
Income fall disregard 2,500 2,500
Child Benefit (weekly)    
Eldest /only child 20.70 21.05
Other children 13.70 13.95
Guardian’s Allowance (weekly) 17.60 17.90