Ah, the cruel joke: while UC creeps up, everything else does too. Council tax? Usually goes up by about 5%. Energy bills? Still wobbling. Rent? Landlords aren’t exactly freezing prices. So that 1.7% increase might feel like a minuscule pat on the back while life steals your wallet.
I’m not saying this to depress you—okay, maybe a little—but to remind you that budgeting for April is a whole circus act. You need to know: does a £6.70 increase cover the rise in your internet bill? Probably not. But hey, every little helps when you’re pinching pennies.
Are there any extra payments on the side?
As of early 2026, the government isn’t handing out a one-off cost-of-living payment like they did in 2026 or 2026. Those were the days, right? £300 just for existing? Now it’s just the regular uprating. No surprise cheques. Don’t bank on a random windfall.
Universal Credit and other benefits going up in April, here's how much
However, there are other bits you might be eligible for—like the Household Support Fund (check with your local council) or discretionary payments from the DWP if you’re in a jam. Those aren’t automatic, but they exist. Ask. Don’t suffer in silence.
