Amid inflation, the entire world is getting affected by the increase in the cost-of-living, particularly, low- and moderate-income individuals and families. As a result, in the United Kingdom, the government is proposing an increase in the Universal Credit payment amount for the year 2024. The Universal Credit was designed by the UK Government to reduce some financial strain from the low- and middle-class people across the country. Let’s get into the details of changes made in Universal Credit in the below article.
Extra £578.82 Monthly Universal Credit Payment October 2024
Universal Credit is a monthly, means-tested program designed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Low-income, unemployed, disabled and unindemnified carers are entitled to receive the UC payment. Around 20 million people in the country take advantage of UC.
The Universal Credit program is made up of six various benefit programs. These include, Child Tax Benefit (CTC), Housing Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Working Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Income Support.
The recipients of Universal Credit will see a payment hike in 2024. The UC is going to increase to up to 6.7% to help people cope up from the inflation and increasing cost-of-living. The government of the UK is going to provide an extra monthly payment of£578.82 to the eligible people of UC.
UK Child Benefit Payments 2024
DWP £299 Cost of Living Payment
Highlights of Universal Credit 2024
| Title | Extra £578.82 Monthly Universal Credit Payment |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Department | Department for Work and Pensions |
| Benefit Name | Universal Credit |
| Beneficiaries | Low-income, disabled, unemployed, unpaid carers |
| Increased Payment Amount | £578.82 |
| Frequency of Payment | Monthly |
| Post Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | https://www.gov.uk/ |
Eligibility Criteria
- Residential Status- People living in the United Kingdom are eligible for the Universal Credit Payment.
- Age Limit- People applying for the Universal Credit must be older than or equal to 18 years, but must be younger than the state pension age.
- Employment Status- People with low-income with a net income of £16,000 are eligible for the payment. People who are unemployed, suffering from some disability or unpaid carers are also eligible for the UC Payment.
- 16-17 years old- People who are 16-17 years old can also be eligible for the payment, depending on the other circumstances.
People applying for the Universal Credit must meet these above standards to qualify the benefit.
New Monthly Payment Amount of UC in 2024
The new monthly payment amount of UC according to the different categories are mentioned below-
| Category | Monthly Payment |
| Unmarried Individuals under 25 years | £292.11 |
| Unmarried Individuals above and equal to 25 | £368.74 |
| Couples under 25 years | £458.51 |
| Couples above and equal to 25 years | £578.82 |
These changes are made in the monthly payment of UC to alleviate financial strain from the low-income people.
Why this increase?
Increasing inflation and high cost-of-living is the main reason for this increase in the payment amount of Universal Credit. The main motive for this increase is to provide adequate support to the citizens of the United Kingdom. It will help them to balance their expenses and a better quality of life. People will be able to manage their expenses more comfortably.
The 6.7% increase in the Universal Credit will provide significant financial support to the eligible claimants of the benefit. Low-income families, unemployed people and disabled individuals will be able to manage their food, transportation and various other essential expenses more efficiently.
Future Updates
The welfare support of the United Kingdom is dynamic in nature, which means it continuously changes according to the needs of the citizens of the country. The Government of the United Kingdom continuously makes changes and updates in the Universal Credit to ensure that the program will benefit the claimants adequately.
| Home Page | https://www.easthamptonchamber.com/ |
The continuous upgradation in the benefit ensures the efficiency of the program. That’s why it’s important to stay updated regarding the changes that can be made in future. To stay up-to-date, it’s advisable to visit the official website of the Department for Work And Pensions (DWP).
FAQs about Extra £578.82 Monthly Universal Credit Payment in 2024
Due to increasing inflation, the government of the UK decided to make an increase in the amount of Universal Credit. It ensures more adequate financial support to the citizens of the country.
The Universal Credit is expected to see an increase of £578.82 in 2024. The increment in the monthly amount varies because of age and marital status. The UC has been increased to up to 6.7% in the UK.
Yes, the amount of Universal Credit is deposited in the bank accounts of the eligible claimants.
People who have low-income, unemployed, disabled, or unindemnified carers are entitled for the payment of Universal Credit.
Riya Claire is the Editor-in-Chief of the East Hampton Chamber Portal. She holds a degree in Mass Communication, an MBA in Finance, and a diploma in HR, making her a versatile professional for an online portal