Guidance

A1/2021: Housing Benefit uprating: 2021-22 (2nd revision)

Updated 31 January 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housing-benefit-adjudication-circulars-2021/a12021-housing-benefit-uprating-2021-22-revised

Who should read

All Housing Benefit (HB) staff.

Action

For information.

Revisions

Second revision

We are reissuing this circular as it has been revised following the Spring Budget on 3 March 2021. It was announced that the £20 uplift in Universal Credit (UC) will continue until September 2021.

Appendix C - Annex 5 has been updated to reflect this change.

First revisions

We apologise for any inconvenience caused but this circular is being reissued as the original contained a number of errors, listed below.

Appendix A: Housing Benefit rates for people of working age

Polygamous marriages - For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant

Appendix C - Annex 1: Income Support rates

Enhanced Disability Premium - Couple and Disabled child rate

Appendix C - Annex 2: Job Seekers Allowance rates

Enhanced Disability Premium - Couple and Disabled child rate

Appendix C - Annex 3: Employment and Support Allowance rates

Personal Allowances (Single) - Any age and in Main Phase

Appendix C - Annex 5: Universal Credit rates (monthly rates)

Limited capability for work and work-related activity

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

Carer’s Allowance - Standard rate

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 25 November 2020, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced proposals for the social security benefit rates that will apply from April 2021.

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 2021 uprating will take effect on:

  • Thursday 1 April 2021 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 5 April 2021 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 2.5% in line with the government’s ’triple lock’ commitment
  • the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit is being increased by 1.9% this year to match the cash increase in the basic State Pension. The Savings Credit maximum is increased by 0.5% 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 2021-22 by CPI which was 0.5% in September 2020.
  • Working Age benefits (main rates and certain premiums and additions), including the main elements of UC and HB personal allowances will increase in line with CPI from April 2021.

6. The higher and middle rate invalidity allowances and age additions payable with Incapacity Benefit (IB) will be increased from April 2021.

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. LAs now have the facility to use the automation of the Pensions Strategy Computer System (PSCS) uprating process from December 2019. This allows LAs to use an Application Programme Interface (API) to look up the PSCS benefit amount when needed and removes 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 can 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 2021 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 be available on GOV.UK from April 2021.

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 Veterans UK release the figures.

Specific points of interest

Non-dependant deductions in HB

18. The deduction and income bands for 2021-22 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 is £17.10. The temporary increase to £37.10 in 2020-21will not be continuing in 2021-22. See HB Guidance manual BW2 paragraphs BW2.132-2.140.

Deductions for ineligible fuel charges

21. The CPI for fuel and lighting in September 2020 was - 6.8% and the government has decided to freeze the rates for statutory fuel deductions from HB for 2021-22. 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 £14.04 for a single person and £15.71 for a couple. These figures cannot be used to calculate a likely Savings Credit entitlement from April 2021. 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 2021-22 will be available on GOV.UK from 6 April 2021.

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.

Appendix A: Housing Benefit for people of working age

Housing Benefit rates for people who have not reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit

Personal Allowances

Single Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
16 to 24 58.9 59.2
25 or over 74.35 74.7
Any age - entitled to main phase rate Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 74.35 74.7
Lone parent Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Under 18 58.9 59.2
18 or over 74.35 74.7
Any age - entitled to main phase rate ESA 74.35 74.7
Couple Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Both under 18 89 89.45
One or both over 18 116.8 117.4
Any age - entitled to main phase rate ESA 116.8 117.4
Polygamous marriages Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
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 116.8 117.4
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant 42.45 42.7
Dependent children Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
From birth to September following 16th birthday 68.27 68.6
From September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday 68.27 68.6

Premiums

Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Family Premium 17.6 17.65
Family Premium (lone parent rate) 22.2 22.2
Disability Premium Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 34.95 35.1
Couple 49.8 50.05
Enhanced Disability Premium Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single rate 17.1 17.2
Couple rate 24.5 24.6
Disabled child rate 26.6 26.67
Severe Disability Premium Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 66.95 67.3
Couple (one qualifies) 66.95 67.3
Couple (both qualify) 133.9 134.6
Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Disabled Child Premium 65.52 65.94
Carer Premium 37.5 37.7
Components ESA income related (IR) and ESA (contribution-based) Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Work-related activity component 29.55 29.7
Support component 39.2 39.4

Deductions

Non-dependant deductions Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
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 15.85 15.95
In receipt of main phase ESA(IR) (any age) 15.85 15.95
In receipt of Pension Credit Nil Nil
Aged over 18 or over and in remunerative work    
- 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 50.3
- gross income: £283 to £376.99 81.9 82.3
- gross income: £377 to £468.99 93.25 93.7
- gross income: £469 and above 102.35 102.85
Fuel deductions Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Heating 34.3 34.3
Hot water 4 4
Lighting 2.75 2.75
Cooking 4 4
All fuel 45.05 45.05
Fuel deductions one room Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Heating and hot water and/or lighting 20.53 20.53
Cooking 4 4

Amounts ineligible for meals

Three or more meals a day Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single claimant 29.05 29.2
Each person in family aged 16 or over 29.05 29.2
Each child under 16 14.75 14.8
Less than 3 meals a day Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single claimant 19.35 19.45
Each person in the family aged 16 or over 19.35 19.45
Each child under 16 9.7 9.75
Breakfast only - claimant and each member of family 3.6 3.6
Disregards Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Childcare charges 175 175
Childcare charges (2 or more children) 300 300
Additional earnings 37.1 17.1
Income from sub-tenants 20 20
Permitted earnings - higher 140 143
Permitted earnings - lower 20 20
Recovery of overpayments Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Non-fraudulent overpayments 11.25 11.25
Fraudulent overpayments 18.75 18.75
Capital limits Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Upper limit 16,000 16,000
Lower limit 6,000 6,000

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

Housing Benefit rates for people who have reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit

Personal Allowances

April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single claimant who has attained pensionable age 187.75 191.15
Lone parent who has attained pensionable age 187.75 191.15
Couple April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
One member or both members have attained pensionable age 280.85 286.05
Polygamous marriages April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
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 280.85 286.05
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant 93.1 94.9
Dependent children April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
From birth to September following 16th birthday 68.27 68.6
From September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday 68.27 68.6

Premiums

April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Family Premium 17.6 17.65
Severe Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 66.95 67.3
Couple (one qualifies) 66.95 67.3
Couple (both qualify) 133.9 134.6
Enhanced Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Disabled child rate 26.6 26.67
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Disabled Child Premium 65.52 65.94
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Carer Premium 37.5 37.7
Non-dependant deductions Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
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 15.85 15.95
In receipt of main phase ESA(IR) (any age) 15.85 15.95
In receipt of State Pension Credit Nil Nil
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work    
- 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 50.3
- gross income: £283 to £376.99 81.9 82.3
- gross income: £377 to £468.99 93.25 93.7
- gross income: £469 and above 102.35 102.85
Fuel deductions Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Heating 34.3 34.3
Hot water 4 4
Lighting 2.75 2.75
Cooking 4 4
All fuel 45.05 45.05
Fuel deductions for one room Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Heating, hot water and/or lighting 20.53 20.53
Cooking 4 4

Amounts ineligible for meals

Three or more meals a day Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single claimant 29.05 29.2
Each person in family aged 16 or over 29.05 29.2
Each child under 16 14.75 14.8
Less than 3 meals a day    
Single claimant 19.35 19.45
Each person in family aged 16 or over 19.35 19.45
Each child under 16 9.7 9.75
Breakfast only - claimant and each member of family 3.6 3.6
Disregards Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Childcare charges 175 175
Childcare charges (2 or more children) 300 300
Additional earnings disregard 37.1 17.1
Income from subtenants 20 20
Permitted earnings - higher 140 143
Permitted earnings - lower 20 20
Recovery of overpayments Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
Standard Rate (Non-fraud debt) 11.25 11.25
Maximum Rate (Fraud classified debt) 18.75 18.75
Capital limits Apr 2020 (£ Weekly) Apr 2021 (£ Weekly)
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

Appendix C - Annex 1: Income Support rates

Personal Allowances

Single April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Under 25 58.9 59.2
Aged 25 or over 74.35 74.7
Lone parent April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Under 18 58.9 59.2
Aged 18 or over 74.35 74.7
Couple April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Both under 18 58.9 59.2
Both under 18 - higher rate (for example, with responsibility for a child) 89 89.45
One under 18, one 18 to 24 58.9 59.2
One under 18, one aged 25 or over 74.35 74.7
Both 18 or over 116.8 117.4
Dependent children April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Birth to September following 16th birthday 68.27 68.6
From September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday 68.27 68.6

Premiums

April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Family Premium 17.6 17.65
Family Premium (lone parent rate) 17.6 17.65
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Pensioner Premium (couples only) 148.4 152.9
Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 34.95 35.1
Couple 49.8 50.05
Enhanced Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 17.1 17.2
Couple 24.5 24.6
Disabled child rate 26.6 26.67
Severe Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 66.95 67.3
Couple (one qualifies) 66.95 67.3
Couple (both qualify) 133.9 134.6
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Disabled child premium 65.52 65.94
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Carer Premium 37.5 37.7
Capital limits April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Upper 16,000 16,000
Lower 6,000 6,000

Appendix C - Annex 2: Jobseeker’s Allowance rates

Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Rates April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Under 25 58.9 59.2
Aged 25 or over 74.35 74.7

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Allowances April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single    
Under 25 58.9 59.2
Aged 25 or over 74.35 74.7
Lone parent April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Under 18 58.9 59.2
18 or over 74.35 74.7
Couple April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Both under 18 58.9 59.2
Both under 18 – higher rate (for example with responsibility for a child) 89 89.45
One under 18, one 18 to 24 58.9 59.2
One under 18, one aged 25 or over 74.35 74.7
Both 18 or over 116.8 117.4
Dependent children April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Birth to September following 16th birthday 68.27 68.6
From September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday 68.27 68.6

Premiums

April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Family Premium 17.6 17.65
Family Premium (lone parent rate) 17.6 17.65
Pensioner Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 99.4 102.4
Couple 148.4 152.9
Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 34.95 35.1
Couple 49.8 50.05
Enhanced Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 17.1 17.2
Couple 24.5 24.6
Disabled child rate 26.6 26.67
Severe Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 66.95 67.3
Couple (one qualifies) 66.95 67.3
Couple (both qualify) 133.9 134.6
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Disabled child premium 65.52 65.94
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Carer Premium 37.5 37.7
Capital limits April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Upper 16,000 16,000
Lower 6,000 6,000

Appendix C - Annex 3: Employment and Support Allowance rates

Personal Allowances

Single April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Under 25 and in Assessment Phase 58.9 59.2
Aged 25 or over 74.35 74.7
Any age and in Main Phase 74.35 74.7
Lone parent April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Aged under 18 and in Assessment Phase 58.9 59.2
Aged 18 or over 74.35 74.7
Any age and in Main Phase 74.35 74.7
Couple April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Both under 18 and in Assessment Phase 58.9 59.2
Both under 18 with responsibility for a child and in Assessment Phase 89 89.45
Both under 18 and in Main Phase 74.35 74.7
Both under 18 with responsibility for a child and in Main Phase 116.8 117.4
One 18 or over and the other while under 18, also satisfies certain conditions 116.8 117.4
Both 18 or over 116.8 117.4
Claimant under 25 and in Assessment Phase and partner under 18 58.9 59.2
Claimant 25 or over and in Assessment Phase and partner under 18 74.35 74.7
Claimant in Main Phase and partner under 18 74.35 74.7

Premiums

April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Carer Premium 37.5 37.7
Enhanced Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 17.1 17.2
Couple 24.5 24.6
Pensioner Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single and in Assessment Phase 99.4 102.4
Single, entitled to work-related activity component 69.85 72.2
Single, entitled to support component 60.2 63
Couple, and in Assessment Phase 148.4 152.9
Couple, entitled to work-related activity component 118.85 123.2
Couple, entitled to support component 109.2 113.5
Severe Disability Premium April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 66.95 67.3
Couple (one qualifies) 66.95 67.3
Couple (both qualify) 133.9 134.6

Components

April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Work-related activity component 29.55 29.7
Support component 39.2 39.4
Capital limits April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Upper 16,000 16,000
Lower 6,000 6,000

Appendix C - Annex 4: Pension Credit rates

Standard Guarantee Credit April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 173.75 177.1
Couple 265.2 270.3
Additional amount for severe disability April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 66.95 67.3
Couple (one qualifies) 66.95 67.3
Couple (both qualify) 133.9 134.6
Polygamous marriages April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Amount for claimant and first spouse 265.2 270.3
Amount for additional spouse 91.4 93.2
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Additional amount for Carers (Carer Premium) 37.5 37.7
Savings credit April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Threshold – single 150.47 153.7
Threshold – couple 239.17 244.12
Maximum – single 13.97 14.04
Maximum – couple 15.62 15.71
Dependent children April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
First child born before 1 April 2017 64.82 65.1
Subsequent children 54.32 54.6
Disabled child April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Lower rate 29.52 29.66
Higher rate 92.12 92.54

Appendix C - Annex 5: Universal Credit rates (monthly rates)

Standard Allowance / Element April 2020 (£ Assessment period) April 2021 (£ Assessment period)
Single    
Under 25 342.72 344.00
25 or over 409.89 411.51
Couple April 2020 (£ Assessment period) April 2021 (£ Assessment period)
Both under 25 488.59 490.60
One or both 25 or over 594.04 596.58
Child element April 2020 (£ Assessment period) April 2021 (£ Assessment period)
First child 281.25 282.5
Second or subsequent child 235.83 237.08
Additional amount for disabled child or qualifying young person April 2020 (£ Assessment period) April 2021 (£ Assessment period)
Lower rate 128.25 128.89
Higher rate 400.29 402.41
Limited capability for work / limited capability for work and work-related activity elements April 2020 (£ Assessment period) April 2021 (£ Assessment period)
Limited capability for work 128.25 128.89
Limited capability for work and work-related activity 341.92 343.63
April 2020 (£ Assessment period) April 2021 (£ Assessment period)
Non-dependants’ housing cost contributions 75.15 75.53
April 2020 (£ Assessment period) April 2021 (£ Assessment period)
Carer Element 162.92 163.73

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

Attendance Allowance April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 89.15 89.6
Lower rate 59.7 60
Bereavement Benefits April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Widowed Parent’s Allowance 121.95 122.55
Bereavement Allowance April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Standard Rate 121.95 122.55
Age-related rate April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Age 54 113.41 113.97
Age 53 104.88 105.39
Age 52 96.34 96.81
Age 51 87.8 88.24
Age 50 79.27 79.66
Age 49 70.73 71.08
Age 48 62.19 62.5
Age 47 53.66 53.92
Age 46 45.12 45.34
Age 45 36.59 36.77

Bereavement Support Payment

Lump sum April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 3,500 3,500
Lower rate 2,500 2,500
Monthly payments April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 350 350
Lower rate 100 100
Carer’s Allowance April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Standard rate 67.25 67.6

Disability Living Allowance

Care component April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 89.15 89.6
Middle rate 59.7 60
Lower rate 23.6 23.7
Mobility component April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 62.25 62.55
Lower rate 23.6 23.7

Incapacity Benefit

Long term Incapacity Benefit April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Single 114.15 114.7
Spouse or adult dependant (where appropriate) 66.3 66.65
Short term Incapacity Benefit (under pension age) April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Lower rate 86.1 86.55
Higher rate 101.9 102.4
Spouse or adult dependant (where appropriate) 51.65 51.9
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over pension age) April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Lower rate 109.5 110.05
Higher rate 114.15 114.7
Spouse or adult dependant (where appropriate) 63.8 64.1
Increase of long-term Incapacity Benefit for age April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 12.1 12.15
Lower rate 6.7 6.75
Invalidity Allowance (transitional) for Incapacity Benefit recipients April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 12.1 12.15
Middle rate 6.7 6.75
Lower rate 6.7 6.75

Industrial Death Benefit

Widow’s Pension April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 134.25 137.6
Lower rate 40.28 41.28
Widower’s pension 134.25 137.6
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Disablement Benefit (100% assessment) 182 182.9
Unemployability supplement 112.55 113.1
Reduced earnings allowance (maximum) 72.8 73.16
Maternity Allowance April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Standard Rate 151.2 151.97
Threshold 30 30

Personal Independence Payment

Daily Living Component April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Standard Rate 59.7 60
Enhanced Rate 89.15 89.6
Mobility component April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Standard rate 23.6 23.7
Enhanced rate 62.25 62.55
Severe Disablement Allowance April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Basic rate 80.85 81.25
Spouse or other adult dependant (where appropriate) 39.75 39.95
Age-related additions    
Higher rate 12.1 12.15
Middle rate 6.7 6.75
Lower rate 6.7 6.75
Old State Pension April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Category A or B (Single Person) 134.25 137.6
Category B (lower) - spouse or civil partner’s insurance 80.45 82.45
Category C (higher) or Category D non-contributory 80.45 82.45
Additional State Pension - rate may vary April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
  1.70% 0.50%
Increments to: April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Basic State Pension 1.70% 0.50%  
Additional State Pension 1.70% 0.50%  
Graduated Retirement Benefit 1.70% 0.50%  
Inheritable lump sum 1.70% 0.50%
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Addition at age 80 0.25 0.25
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Increase in respect of long-term incapacity for age: 1.70% 0.50%
Higher rate 23.3 23.4
Lower rate 11.7 11.75
Invalidity Allowance (transitional) April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Higher rate 23.3 23.4
Middle rate 14.9 15
Lower rate 7.45 7.5
April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
New State Pension (full rate) 175.2 179.6
Statutory Adoption Pay April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Earnings threshold 120 120
Standard rate 151.2 151.97
Statutory Maternity Pay April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Earnings threshold 120 120
Standard rate 151.2 151.97
Statutory Paternity Pay April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Earnings threshold 120 120
Standard rate 151.2 151.97
Statutory Shared Parental Pay April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Earnings threshold 120 120
Standard rate 151.2 151.97
Statutory Sick Pay April 2020 (£ Weekly) April 2021 (£ Weekly)
Earnings threshold 120 120
Standard rate 95.85 96.35

Appendix E: Non-social security payments and rates

Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance rates.

Working Tax Credit 2020-21 (£ per year (unless stated) 2021-22 (£ per year (unless stated)
Basic element 3,040 2,005
Couple and lone parent element 2,045 2,060
Thirty Hour element 825 830
Disabled worker element 3,220 3,240
Severe disability element 1,390 1,400
Childcare element of Working Tax Credit 2020-21 (£ per year (unless stated) 2021-22 (£ per year (unless stated)
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 2020-21 (£ per year (unless stated) 2021-22 (£ per year (unless stated)
Family element 545 545
Child element 2,830 2,845
Disabled child element 3,415 3,435
Severely disabled child element 4,800 4,825
Income thresholds and withdrawal rates 2020-21 (£ per year (unless stated) 2021-22 (£ per year (unless stated)
Income threshold 6,530 6,565
Withdrawal rate (per cent %) 41% 41%
Threshold for those entitled to Child Tax Credit only 16,385 16,480
Income rise disregard 2,500 2,500
Income fall disregard 2,500 2,500
Child Benefit (weekly) 2020-21 (£ per year (unless stated) 2021-22 (£ per year (unless stated)
Eldest / only child 21.05 21.15
Other children 13.95 14
2020-21 (£ per year (unless stated) 2021-22 (£ per year (unless stated)
Guardian’s Allowance (weekly) 17.9 18
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