Full list of legacy benefits going up in April including tax credits and housing benefit

BENEFITS are rising in just a few weeks which means millions of claimants will see payments rise. Thousands of Brits are still on benefits under the “old” system and have not yet moved over to the new replacement, Universal Credit. There are six benefits which you can get under the old system, often called legacy […]

BENEFITS are rising in just a few weeks which means millions of claimants will see payments rise.

Thousands of Brits are still on benefits under the “old” system and have not yet moved over to the new replacement, Universal Credit.

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Check your next benefit payment as it could be higher from April[/caption]

There are six benefits which you can get under the old system, often called legacy benefits:

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income support
• Housing benefit
• Child tax credit
• Working tax credit

These six benefits are being replaced by Universal Credit, so if you’re making a new claim for benefits you won’t get these.

But you may be one of thousands already making a claim who has not been moved over to the new system yet.

And the rates for these benefits are among those rising by 3.1% from April.

It’s part of an annual rise to keep up with rising prices, though inflation is higher at 5.5% and could hit 8% this year, expert warn.

So while you could be getting a pay rise you ight still be feeling the pinch because of rising bills and other essentials.

It’s always worth checking if you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to – if you’re missing out and start claiming it could boost your income.

You can check by using an online benefits calculator, which are offered by charities such as Turn2Us and EntitledTo.

And if you’re struggling with bills there’s further help you can get – check it out here.

Here are the legacy benefit rates rising from April.

Capital limits which apply to these benefits are not rising, so the first £6,000 of savings is ignored and you won’t get any means-tested benefits if you have over £16,000.

Jobseekers Allowance

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) supports those who are out of work while they look for a job.

It is being replaced by Universal Credit but if you are still claiming it you’ll see payments go up next year.

For under 25-year-olds, contribution-based and income-based payments will go up from £59.20 a week to £61.05, and from £74.70 to £77.00 week for those who are older.

There are also further rates for couples, those with children, disabilities or caring responsibilities.

Employment Support Allowance

Employment Support Allowance (ESA) tops up pay from work if you have a disability or health condition.

• Under 25-year-old, from £59.20 to £61.05
• Age 25 and older, from £74.70 £77.00
• Lone parent under 18, from £59.20 to £61.05
• Lone parent 18 or over, from £74.70 £77.00

There are also further rates for couples, those with disabilities or caring responsibilities, and how much that is depends on your circumstances.

Income support

Income support can give you extra money if you’re on a low income.

You get a basic amount known as a personal allowance and may get extra payments on top (premiums).

Here’s how much more you’ll get on the basic amount:

• Aged under 25, from £59.20 to £61.05
• Aged 25 or over, from £74.70 to £77.00
• Lone parent aged under 18, from £59.20 to £61.05
• Lone parent age 18 or over, from £74.70 to £77.00

There are also further rates for couples, and premiums for those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

How much you get will depend on your situation, including income and savings, if you’re eligible for other benefits and if you are subject to the benefit cap.

Housing benefit

Personal allowances for housing benefit are increasing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you will get more money.

For example, in some circumstances, including if you receive housing benefit alongside Universal Credit, the amount you get is calculated without regard to the personal allowance.

Housing benefit is usually worked out by adding together personal allowances and any additional “premiums” you could be entitled to, for instance if you have disabilities, or if you are caring for someone who is disabled.

• Aged under 25, from £59.20 to £61.05
• Any age and on main phase ESA, from £74.70 to £77.00
• Aged between 25 and state pension credit age, from £74.70 to £77.00
• Has reached pension age, from £191.15 to £197.10
• Lone parent aged under 18, from £59.20 to £61.05
• Any age and on main phase ESA, from £74.70 to £77.00
• Aged between 18 and state pension credit age, from £74.70 to £77.00
• Has reached state pension age, from £191.15 to £197.10

There are also further rates for couples, and premiums for those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

How much you get will depend on your situation, including you renting situation and income.

Tax credits

There are two types of tax credits: working tax credits and child tax credits.

If you already get tax credits, you’ll get more money from April this year.

Working tax credit per year

• Basic element, from £2,005 to £2,070
• Couple and lone parent element, from £2,060 to £2,125
• 30 hour element, from £830 to £860
• Disabled worker element, from £3,240 to £3,345
• Severe disability element, from £1,400 to £1,445

The childcare element of working tax credits will remain the same at £175 and £300, depending on the number of children and costs covered will remain 70%.

Child tax credit per year

The family element of child tax credits will remain the same at £545.

• Child element, from £2,845 to £2,935
• Disability element: disabled child rate, from £3,435 to £3,545
• Disability element: severally disabled child rate, from £1,390 to £1,430

The income threshold for tax credits will rise from £6,565 to £6,770 and the withdrawal rate will remain 41%.

The threshold for those entitled to child tax credit only will rise from £16,480 to £17,005.

The income disregard will remain £2,500.