8 April 2013 – Annual Benefit Increases
Most working age benefits will go up by one percent from today, while key disability and carers benefits will increase by inflation. Pensioner support will rise by 2.5% thanks to the triple lock, and the basic state pension is now the highest share of earnings in 20 years.
Minister for Pensions Steve Webb said:
"In a tough economic climate we have struck a fair balance between giving more help to benefit claimants and continuing to manage down the deficit.
"The one percent increase means claimants will still have more cash in their pocket and we’ve protected pensioner benefits and key disability benefits."
Notes to Editors:
- Working age benefits will increase by one percent this year, 2013/14, and then again in 2014/15 and in 2015/16.
- Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, the support component of ESA, disability premiums in working age benefits, Carer’s Allowance and the carer premium will continue to by uprated in line with inflation.
- The Basic State Pension will rise by earnings, prices, or 2.5%, whichever is the greatest – this year by 2.5%.
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