People on Universal Credit still waiting for new DWP rule to kick in for them People on Universal Credit have been warned a Universal Credit rise has been delayed for millions of people. People on Universal Credit still waiting for new DWP rule to kick in for them People on Universal Credit are STILL waiting for a new Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) rule to kick in. People on Universal Credit have been warned a Universal Credit rise has been delayed for millions of people. Some Universal Credit claimants have not seen an increase in payments, despite the rates going up on April 7 2025. DWP Universal Credit payments went up by 1.7% from April 7, following the decision from the Labour Party government. ‌ But Universal Credit is calculated on an "assessment period" for the previous calendar month. This "assessment period" is used to calculate how much Universal Credit claimants get, based on any earnings or deductions in this period. ‌ READ MORE HMRC issues warning to 'wind down' use of scheme as it begins 'crackdown' However, claimants whose assessment period started after this date won't receive the increased 2025/26 rate until June The system of arrears payments and assessment periods creates the gap between official rate increases and when people actually receive them. Article continues below Universal Credit is made up of a standard allowance which is based on your age and if you’re claiming as a single person, or in a couple. The standard allowance is the basic amount you get before any additional elements or any deductions are taken into account. Sir Stephen Timms said in a statement on the UK Parliament website: “As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the department will prompt Universal Credit claimants to confirm whether they have had a change in circumstances that might affect their claim. “Any changes in circumstances declared will be processed and verified in the usual way. A roll out of this initiative will commence in April and testing will help determine frequency.” Article continues below Rates include £311.68 a month to £316.98 a month for those who are single and aged under 25, £393.45 a month to £400.14 a month for those aged over this threshold, and £489.23 a month to £497.55 a month for joint claimants who are under-25. Rates have risen for joint claimants, who are one or both 25 or over, from £617.60 a month to £628.10 a month.