Tax year changes that begin today – from state pension rises to maternity pay

The start of the new tax year kicks off today (April 6) which means millions of Brits face loads of changes.

It comes after last month's Budget where Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced amendments to Universal Credit, pensions and more.

Last Thursday (April 1), the National Living Wage increased as the pay is £345 a year for millions of workers.

Now today state pension payments are rising and it's good news for families as child and housing benefits will also rise.

There are also a number of other changes which include statutory sick pay and even family leave.

Here are 14 changes that begin from today…

1. State pension rises

State pension payments will increase for millions of retirees as new rates come into force across England and Wales.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) claims pensioners will see their incomes increase by 2.5% a week.

People over the age of 66 on the new state pension will receive £179.60 per week – an increase from £175.20.

Those on the "old" state pension (category A or B) currently receiving £134.25 each week will be paid £137.60.

2. Family leave and maternity pay

The rate of pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay is increasing to £151.97 a week.

3. Child benefit increase

The benefit is rising to £21.15 per week for the first child and £14 per week for subsequent children from next Monday (April 12).

It comes through every four weeks and also gives claimants national insurance credits that can count towards their state pension.

But if a claimant or their partner earns more than £50,000 a year, a fraction of it must be repaid at the end of the tax year.

  • Parents who put £25 a month into ISA could set kid up to earn £11k when they're 18

4. Pension Credit

From today, Pension Credit payments are increasing from £173.75 to £177.10 – with the rates rising even further if you're a carer.

The benefit exists to protect people from poverty in retirement and could also get those who qualify a free TV licence.

It is believed around one million Brits are currently missing out on Pension Credits.

5. Tax allowances and thresholds

The amount you can earn before having to pay income tax is rising to £12,570 from today.

And the starting point for higher earners (40% tax payers) will jump to £50,271.

This is because thresholds are set to be frozen for five years from April.

6. Statutory Sick Pay

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rates are also changing today.

The amount you need to earn to qualify will remain at £120 a week, but the payments will rise to £96.35.

7. Working tax credits

Those on working tax credits in the country will see their Covid uplift end today.

Instead families will get a £500 one-off payment to help them through the pandemic on April 23.

8. Universal Credit

Universal Credit is rising today on top of the £20 uplift extension.

Those single and under 25 will see their standard allowance jump from £256.05 to £257.33.

Those single and aged 25 or over will see the standard allowance increase from £323.22 to £324.84.

Meanwhile, for joint claimants both under 25, the standard allowance will rise from £401.92 to £403.93.

Universal Credit claimants can also get a boost if they are caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.

9. Disability Living Allowance

The highest amount you can claim is rising to £89.60 (from £89.15).

Also the middle amount is increasing to £60 from £59.70 and the lowest amount is going from £23.60 to £23.70.

10. Advance Universal Credit payments

These payments are also changing.

Advance payments currently have to be paid back in instalments over 12 months, but this is now increasing to 24 months.

Deductions are currently capped at 30% of the standard allowance but is also falling to 25%.

11. New government-backed guarantor mortgages

Mr Sunak has pledged to bring back 95% mortgages on April 19 with a number of banks confirming they will offer generous loans.

The government hopes to lure lenders back into the low-deposit market by helping buyers who are unable to meet their repayments.

Lloyds, Barclays, Santander and HSBC have already signed up which could offer help to house movers and first-time buyers.

The news comes alongside an extended stamp duty holiday which will now run until the end of June.

12. Employment and Support Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance for under 25s is rising to £59.20 (from £58.90).

While those aged 25 and over will see their payments increase to £74.70 (from £74.35) from April.

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13. Housing benefit

The benefit will increase to £59.20 (from £58.90) for under 25s and to £74.70 (from £74.35) for 25s and over today.

Brits who are entitled to main phase ESA will get £74.70 from today.

14. Personal Independence Payments

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component is rising to £89.60 (from £89.15) for enhanced claimants.

It will increase to £60 (from £59.70) for standard claimants.

The Personal Independence Payment mobility component is rising to £62.55 for enhanced and to £23.70 for standard payments.

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