Millions of Universal Credit claimants are expected to wait weeks to receive higher payments despite the benefit increase coming into force in April.
The standard allowance is due to rise by around 6.7 per cent from April 13, affecting almost eight million people across the UK.
However, many claimants are not expected to see the higher payments in their bank accounts until May or June.
Universal Credit is paid in arrears based on individual assessment periods, meaning payment timing varies depending on when a claimant’s assessment period begins.
For a single claimant aged 25 or over, the monthly standard allowance will increase from £400.14 to £424.90.
The delay is linked to the structure of assessment periods, which begin on the date a claim is first made and last for one month. Payments are typically made seven days after the assessment period ends.
The higher rates will only apply to assessment periods that begin on or after April 13.
Claimants whose assessment periods begin before April 13 are expected to see higher payments reflected in May.
Those whose assessment periods begin on or after April 13 may not receive the increased amount until June.
Claimants may not receive higher payments until May or June despite April increase
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GETTYSimilar timing differences are expected to affect some state pension recipients
New state pension rates take effect from April 6, but those who usually receive payments on or before the sixth of each month may not see the increase until May.
Citizens Advice said: “The amount of Universal Credit you get will change. This is because the Universal Credit standard allowance is increasing.”
The charity added that payments are made up of the standard allowance plus additional elements based on personal circumstances.
Universal Credit is the primary benefit administered by the DWP | PA
Couples where one or both partners are aged 25 or over will receive £666.97 per month, up from £628.10.
Joint claimants aged under 25 will receive £528.34 per month, rising from £497.55.
Single claimants aged under 25 will see their allowance increase from £316.98 to £338.58 per month.
Parents can receive additional payments for children depending on eligibility.
For a first child born before April 6, 2017, the additional payment will increase from £339 to £351.88 per month.
Work allowances are also increasing
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GETTYClaimants caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours per week will receive £209.34 per month, up from £201.68.
Work allowances are also increasing.
The higher work allowance for those without housing costs will rise from £684 to £710 per month, while the lower work allowance will increase from £411 to £427 per month.
The changes form part of the annual benefit uprating applied across the welfare system each year.