Benefits checker UK 2026: every rate that changed in April — and why you should re-check now

Published 14 July 2026 · Web-verified against GOV.UK · Free

On 6 April 2026 almost every UK benefit changed. Most rose 3.8%, the two-child limit was scrapped, and childcare support went up. If you haven't looked since, you may be owed more than you think — here's what changed.

The headline: a 3.8% uprating

Most working-age and disability benefits rose by 3.8% from April 2026, in line with September 2025 CPI inflation. It's applied automatically — you don't need to reapply — but it's a good prompt to check you're getting everything you're entitled to, because a rate rise on a benefit you're not claiming does nothing for you.

The big structural change: the two-child limit is gone

The most significant change isn't a rate at all. From 6 April 2026 the two-child limit was abolished. Under the old rules, many families couldn't get the Universal Credit child element for a third or later child. Now every eligible child attracts a child element of £303.94 a month, regardless of birth order. For larger families this can mean a meaningful increase — well worth re-checking if you stopped claiming for younger children under the old rule.

The new 2026/27 figures

Here are some of the key rates from April 2026 (weekly unless stated):

PIP — daily living £76.70 (standard) / £114.60 (enhanced); mobility £30.30 / £80.00. Maximum award £194.60/week, or £10,119 a year. Tax-free and not means-tested.
Attendance Allowance — £76.70 (lower) / £114.60 (higher), worth up to £5,959 a year for people over State Pension age with a care need.
Carer's Allowance — £86.45/week (£4,495/year). The earnings limit rose to £204/week (after allowable deductions).
Child Benefit — £27.05/week for your eldest or only child, plus £17.90/week for each additional child.
Universal Credit standard allowance — £424.90/month (single, 25+) and £666.97/month (couple, one or both 25+), plus elements for children, housing, disability and caring.
UC childcare element — the cap rose to £1,071.09/month for one child and £1,836.16/month for two or more (85% of costs refunded).
Pension Credit — tops up a low income above State Pension age; the average award is worth around £3,900 a year, and it unlocks extra help like a free TV Licence and the Warm Home Discount.

Disability benefits like PIP and Attendance Allowance are uprated by inflation; the State Pension follows the separate "triple lock" and also rose again in April 2026. Always confirm your exact figure on GOV.UK.

Why re-check now, mid-year?

Two reasons. First, a rate rise only helps you if you're actually claiming — and the DWP's own figures suggest large numbers of people under-claim benefits like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance they'd qualify for. Second, the rules themselves changed: if the two-child limit stopped you claiming before, or your circumstances have shifted (a new health condition, a change in hours, a child born), you may now be entitled to more than you were last year.

Check in a few minutes

You don't need to read every rate table to find out. Sorted's free money scan asks a few plain questions about your household and shows the schemes worth checking, each with the current 2026/27 figure and a link to claim it — no login, no bank details. Or go straight to the benefits check if you'd rather.

Figures verified against GOV.UK's Benefit and Pension Rates 2026 to 2027 and related official guidance. SortedUK is free and independent — not a government service. Estimates are a guide; final entitlement is decided by the DWP, HMRC or your council.