Benefit and tax credit rates change every April. You can use our year selector to choose whether you would like to calculate the amount you are entitled to in the current tax and benefit year (2024/25) or the past year (2023/24).

The exact date when changes take effect varies between different benefits. Dates for April 2024 are below.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction

New rates and allowances for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction are timed to coincide with the new Council Tax year and the week in which many rents change. In 2024 new rates take effect on:

• 1 April 2024 for Council Tax Reduction
• 1 April 2024 for Housing Benefit when rent is paid monthly
• 1 April 2024 for Housing Benefit when rent is paid on a weekly basis (or multiple of a week)

Other benefits

New rates and allowances for means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit) are increased (uprated) on the first Monday after 6 April (the start of the tax year). Rates also increase for the majority of other social security benefits on this date. 

In 2024 benefits rates increase on 8 April 2024. 

Tax and Tax Credits

The assessment year for both tax and tax credits runs from 6 April one year to April 5 the next year. This is known as a ‘tax year’. Rates are increased on the first day of the tax year, which is 6 April 2024.

If you are already claiming benefits or tax credits you will automatically be contacted about changes in rates when this affects your entitlement.