According to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data, the number of people claiming Universal Credit has surged to a record 8 million.
This is a sharp rise from 6.9 million claimants in July 2024. The benefit is aimed at individuals on a low income, whether they are in employment, out of work, or unable to work, helping them manage day-to-day living expenses.
Universal Credit – Key Monthly Rates
Universal Credit payments vary by age and circumstances. For single claimants, the standard monthly rates in 2025 are:
| Claimant Category | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Single under 25 | £316.98 |
| Single 25 or over | £400.14 |
Extra Financial Help – PIP and ADP
Many recipients of Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) who have a disability or long-term illness may be eligible for additional support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland.
Both PIP and ADP are tax-free, non-means tested and do not affect the benefit cap. A single claimant aged 25 or older could receive up to £749.80 every four weeks if awarded the enhanced rates for daily living and mobility. Combined with Universal Credit, this could total up to £1,149.94 per month.
PIP and ADP Rates 2025
PIP and ADP are made up of two parts: Daily Living and Mobility. The exact amount depends on the severity of your condition and how it impacts your daily life. Payments are issued every four weeks.
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
How You Qualify
Eligibility depends on how your condition affects your ability to perform tasks. Examples include difficulties with:
- Preparing and cooking food
- Managing medication
- Washing, bathing, or dressing
- Moving around or following routes
- Communicating and social interaction
It is important to note that simply having a health condition does not guarantee eligibility. The impact on daily living and mobility is what matters.
Common PIP Conditions in 2025
As of April 2025, the top five categories of conditions supported by PIP include:
| Condition Type | Claimants |
|---|---|
| Psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, OCD) | 1,444,016 |
| Musculoskeletal disease – general (e.g., arthritis, joint pain) | 707,084 |
| Neurological disease (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis) | 476,659 |
| Musculoskeletal disease – regional (e.g., back, shoulder, knee pain) | 447,794 |
| Respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, pulmonary fibrosis) | 138,428 |
These categories are umbrella groups covering over 530 individual conditions recorded by the DWP.
Extra Support Linked to PIP/ADP
Receiving PIP or ADP can unlock other forms of assistance such as:
- Housing support
- Council Tax reductions
- Transport discounts or exemptions
- Access to additional benefits
Application Process
- PIP: Apply via DWP. You’ll need personal details, National Insurance number, bank details, healthcare professional’s information, and records of hospital or care home stays.
- ADP (Scotland): Applications can be made online, by phone, post, or in person via Social Security Scotland.
Both benefits involve an assessment to determine eligibility, though ADP generally avoids face-to-face assessments unless requested.
The number of Universal Credit claimants has reached record levels, highlighting the ongoing cost-of-living pressures in the UK. However, individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions could significantly boost their income through PIP or ADP, which provide essential additional financial help.
Understanding eligibility, payment rates, and how to apply is crucial for ensuring that claimants receive the full support available to them.
FAQs
Yes. PIP and ADP are separate, tax-free benefits that do not affect Universal Credit. Many people receive both simultaneously.
Payments are typically made every four weeks, except in cases of terminal illness, where payments may be weekly.
No. Eligibility depends on how the condition affects your daily living and mobility, not just the diagnosis itself.