29 April 2023 , 06:00
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The amount you get in benefits should have increased by 10.1% this month, however, some have not seen the rise just yet.
People who claim benefits were looking forward to seeing a much-needed increase in their income this month as the cost of living continues to rise.
This year benefit rates officially went up at the start of the new tax year on April 6, however, most benefits went up the first Monday after the new tax year began on April 10.
This meant people receiving benefits after this date were going to get 10.1% more than they got in March.
Benefits which increased included Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance and many more - the full list of benefit increases can be found here.
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However, for some Universal Credit claimants, the increased rates will not come into effect until next month.
This is due to the assessment period for the benefit.
Universal Credit is calculated based on your circumstances each month and these are called your "assessment periods" - if your circumstances change then the amount of Universal Credit you get that month could also change.
You usually get your Universal Credit payment seven days after each monthly assessment period.
Those whose assessment periods started before the April 10 rise will see the benefits rise in May however, those whose assessment period started after won't see it until June.
For example, if your assessment period started on March 26, your assessment period would then run until April 25 - with a new assessment period starting on April 26.
You will then get your Universal Credit a week later on May 2 and because your assessment period is from March to April, the new rates had not been introduced yet so you will have to wait for another assessment period, from April 26 to May 25, to pass until you get the increased rate.
If your assessment period started after the April 10 rise, then your Universal Credit payment will be higher in May.
For example, if your assessment period started on April 12, it will run until May 11 with the new assessment period beginning on May 12.
You would then be paid the higher Universal Credit rate when you get your payment a week later.
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You do not need to do anything to get the increase as the DWP will automatically increase it.
Because of the way the system is set it, it sadly means some people have to wait a little longer than others to see the 10.1% benefit rise.