What the autumn budget means for the RAF Family

RAF Benevolent Fund Welfare Benefits Advisor Jen Kelly outlines some of the key welfare benefit changes announced in the Autumn Budget, which may affect the RAF Family in a positive way.

Benefits set to increase by 6.7%

Most working age benefits will increase by 6.7% from April 2024.

A few examples of what this means:
•    The standard rate daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will increase from £68.10 per week to £72.65 per week.
•    Carer’s Allowance will increase from £76.75 per week to £81.90 per week.
•    The Standard Allowance of Universal Credit (UC) for a single claimant over 25 will increase from £368.74 per month to £393.45 per month.

State Pension set to increase by 8.5%

The State Pension is set to increase by 8.5% from April 2024 which means millions of people will receive an increase of up to £17.35 per week.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates set to increase

LHA rates are used to work out the Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Element amount for those who are privately renting. The LHA amount varies by area and by the number of people in the household.

LHA rates have been frozen since 2020 but are due to increase from April 2024. This means that private renters who get Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit Housing Element should see an increase in the amount of help they get with their rent.

Support for veterans

Although not specifically related to welfare benefits, it was announced in the Autumn Budget that there will be extra funding for the Places, People and Pathways Programme. This is a programme that aims to give veterans safe, welcoming places to go in their local community. This includes providing access to mental health systems and treatment pathways to meet the needs of veterans.

If you want to speak about the above, or about benefits in general, give us a call on 0300 102 1919 or email advice@rafbf.org.uk.