The increase comes alongside reform of disability benefits
DWP Secretary Liz Kendall announced an increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance by £775 annually by 2029/30, alongside reforms to disability benefits. The government will legislate to rebalance Universal Credit payments, holding the health top-up fixed for existing claimants while reducing it for new claimants, with a premium for severe, lifelong conditions. Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment Support Allowance may be merged, and Universal Credit claimants with severe disabilities may be exempt from reassessments. The Work Capability Assessment for Universal Credit will be abolished.
