Guidance

HBAP Module 2: Uprating checklist for the financial year ending March 2025

Updated 28 April 2025

Applies to England

Reporting accountants reporting deadline: 30 November 2025

Queries on this DWP reporting framework instruction should be emailed to lawelfare.hbassurance@dwp.gov.uk

Summary guidance

Introduction

This module forms part of the Departments for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Housing Benefit Assurance Process (HBAP) approach and applies to all benefits IT software systems. Appendix 1 contains a checklist of the annual uprating for benefits with effect from:

  • Monday 1 April 2024 for cases to which regulation 79(3)(a)(i) of the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 (for Working Age customers) and regulation 59(3)(a)(i) of the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations 2006 (for people who have attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit) applies, when rent is paid monthly or at any interval which is not a week or multiples of a week

  • Monday 1 April 2024 for cases to which regulation 79(3)(a)(ii) of the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 (for Working Age customers) and regulation 59(3)(a)(ii) of the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations 2006 (for people who have attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit) applies, when rent is paid on a weekly basis (or multiple of a week)

The information in the checklist is obtained from circulars HB A8/2023 and HB A4/2024 for the financial year ending (FYE) March 2025.

Timing

You should apply this module before submitting the HBAP Reporting Accountant Assured Final Claims

Objective

The aim of this module is to ensure that:

  • the benefit parameters and allowances have been updated to reflect annual uprating
  • these parameters and allowances have been applied to the calculation of benefit entitlement and subsidy claimed

Risks

Not applying annual uprating will result in under or overpayments of benefits and, therefore, under or over-claiming of subsidy.

Detailed guidance

Approach

1. Complete the Appendix 1 checklist, from the parameters and allowances screens on the authority’s benefit system. The local Authority (LA) will provide prints of the required screens within the housing benefit system.

2. The up-rating checklist is divided into 8 tables:

  • HB for people of working age
  • HB for people of State Pension Credit age
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance contributory rates
  • Employment and Support Allowance work-related activity rates
  • Other contributory and non-contributory social security rates
  • Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance rates
  • National Insurance contribution rates and allowance
  • War Pensions Scheme benefits

3. You should complete all 8 tables.

The purpose of this module

4. The information in the Appendix 1 checklist will enable you to establish that the benefit entitlement calculations for the year are based on the relevant parameters and allowances.

5. HB systems may not contain all the parameters and allowances listed in Appendix A. For example:

  • some benefit systems require a percentage to be input to uplift the base rate held. This method is acceptable provided the LA has satisfied itself as to the accuracy of this method to meet its duty to make proper determinations (see paragraphs 8 to 12 of circular HB A8/2023. You will need to apply the percentage to the base rate. Then agree that figure to the rate listed

  • some LAs may not include all the benefits or rates. In these cases, the LA enters the rates; or obtains them from the Local Authority Input Document (LAID) when each claim is made by the claimant. Where you identify this, note this on the checklist. There is no need to do any additional work, as the purpose of this module is to establish that the HB system has been uprated for the parameters and allowances held. You will test input and LAID cases in the samples you test; and

  • some LAs do not uprate specific parameters because they do not have any related cases (for example polygamous marriages). The position agreed with DWP is that the LA should either:

  • uprate all benefit parameters or be in a position to demonstrate to the Reporting Accountant that the specific parameter is not required. Where this cannot be demonstrated the facts will need reporting in a HBAP Report

Advice and support

6. For advice and support contact lawelfare.hbassurance@dwp.gov.uk

7. Similar arrangements will be in place for auditors undertaking certification work for Audit Scotland and the Wales Audit Office.

Appendix 1

8. Appendix 1, which follows, will be issued separately in a non-PDF format for completion. You should complete all 8 tables having read the guidance in paragraphs four and five.

Appendix 1: Uprating checklist for the financial year ending March 2025

9. Appendix 1 will be provided separately to Module 2 in a non-PDF format for completion. You should complete all 8 tables having read the guidance in Module 2.

10. The uprating checklist is divided into 8 tables:

  • HB for people of working age
  • HB for people of State Pension Credit age
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance contributory rates
  • Employment and Support Allowance work-related activity rates
  • Other contributory and non-contributory social security rates
  • Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance rates
  • National Insurance contribution rates and allowances
  • War Pensions Scheme benefits

You should complete all 8 tables having read the guidance in Module 2 paragraphs four and five.

Table 1: HB for people of working age

HB rates for people who have not reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit FYE March 2024 £ FYE March 2025 £ HB system – agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Personal allowances:  
Single 16 - 24 67.20 71.70  
Single 25 or over 84.80 90.50  
Any age – entitled to main phase rate Employment Support Allowance (ESA) 84.80 90.50  
Lone parent – under 18 67.20 71.70  
Lone parent – 18 or over 84.80 90.50  
Loan parent any age – entitled to main phase rate ESA 84.80 90.50  
Couple – both under 18 101.50 108.30  
Couple – one or both over 18 133.30 142.25  
Any age – entitled to main phase rate ESA 133.30 142.25  
Polygamous marriages: If the claimant is a member of a polygamous marriage and no member of the marriage have attained pensionable age [footnote 1]  
Polygamous marriages: For the claimant and the other party to the marriage – at least one member is aged not less than 18 or the claimant is entitled to main phase ESA 133.30 142.25  
Polygamous marriages: For the claimant and the other party to the marriage – both members are aged less than 18. 101.50 108.30  
Polygamous marriages: For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant 48.50 51.75  
Dependent children:  
From birth to September following 16th birthday 77.78 83.24  
From September following 16th birthday to the day before 20th birthday 77.78 83.24  
Premiums:  
Family premium 18.53 19.15  
Family premium (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20  
Disability premium:  
Single 39.85 42.50  
Couple 56.80 60.60  
Enhanced disability premium:  
Single rate 19.55 20.85  
Couple rate 27.90 29.75  
Disabled child rate 30.17 32.20  
Severe Disability Premium:  
Single 76.40 81.50  
Couple – one qualifies 76.40 81.50  
Couple – both qualify 152.80 163.00  
Disabled child premium 74.69 80.01  
Carer premium 42.75 45.60  
Components ESA Income Related (IR) and ESA (Contribution based):  
Work related activity component 33.70 35.95  
Support component 44.70 47.70  
Non-dependant deductions:  
Aged under 25 and on Income Support (IS) or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA (IB)) or ESA (IR) which does not include an amount for the support component or work-related activity component or Universal Credit (UC) where the award is calculated on the basis that the non-dependant does not have any earned income Nil Nil  
Aged 25 or over and on IS or JSA (IB) or aged 18 or over and not in remunerative work 18.10 19.30  
In receipt of main phase ESA (IR) (any age) 18.10 19.30  
In receipt of Pension Credit Nil Nil  
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work:  
- gross income less than £176.00 18.10 19.30  
- gross income: £176.00 to £255.99 41.60 44.40  
- gross income: £256.00 to £333.99 57.10 60.95  
- gross income: £334.00 to £444.99 93.40 99.65  
- gross income: £445.00 to £553.99 106.35 113.50  
- gross income: £554.00 and above 116.75 124.55  
Fuel deductions:  
Heating 35.25 35.25  
Hot water 4.10 4.10  
Lighting 2.85 2.85  
Cooking 4.10 4.10  
All fuel 46.30 46.30  
Fuel deductions for one room:  
Heating and hot water and / or lighting 21.10 21.10  
Cooking 4.10 4.10  
Amounts ineligible for meals  
Three or more meals a day:  
Single claimant 33.15 35.35  
Each person in family aged 16 or over 33.15 35.35  
Each child under 16 16.80 17.95  
Less than three meals a day:  
Single claimant 22.10 23.60  
Each person in family aged 16 or over 22.10 23.60  
Each child under 16 11.05 11.80  
Breakfast only – claimant and each member of family 4.05 4.30  
Disregards:  
Childcare charges 175.00 175.00  
Childcare charges (2 or more children) 300.00 300.00  
Additional earnings disregard 17.10 17.10  
Income from subtenants 20.00 20.00  
Permitted Earnings – higher 167.00 183.50  
Permitted Earnings – lower 20.00 20.00  
Recovery of overpayments:  
Non-fraudulent overpayments 12.75 13.65  
Fraudulent overpayments 21.25 22.75  
Capital limit:  
Upper capital 16,000.00 16,000.00  
Lower capital limit 6,000.00 6,000.00  

Table 2: HB for people of State Pension Credit age

HB rates for people who have reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit FYE March 2024 £ FYE March 2025 £ HB system – agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Personal allowances:
Single claimant who has attained pensionable age 217.00 235.20
Single claimant who has attained pensionable age on or after 1 April 2021 201.05 218.15
Lone parent who has attained pensionable age 217.00 235.20
Lone parent who has attained pensionable age on or after 1 April 2021 201.05 218.15
Couple:      
One member or both members who have attained pensionable age 324.70 352.00
Both members have attained pensionable age on or after 1 April 2021 306.85 332.95
Polygamous Marriages
If the claimant is a member of a polygamous marriage and one or more of the members of the marriage have attained pensionable age before 1 April 2021:
For the claimant and the other party to the marriage 324.70 352.00
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant 107.70 116.80
If the claimant is a member of a polygamous marriage and all of the members of the marriage have attained pensionable age on or after 1 April 2021
For the claimant and the other party to the marriage 306.85 332.95
For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant 105.80 114.80
Dependent children:
From birth to September following 16th birthday 77.78 83.24
From September following 16th birthday to the day before 20th birthday 77.78 83.24
Premium:      
Family premium 18.53 19.15
Family (Lone Parent) 22.20 22.20
Disability
Single 39.85 42.50 -
Couple 56.80 60.60
Enhanced disability premium
Single 19.55 20.85
Disabled child 30.17 32.20
Couple 27.90 29.75
Severe disability premium:
Single 76.40 81.50
Couple – one qualifies 76.40 81.50
Couple – both qualify 152.80 163.00
Disabled child premium 74.69 80.01
Carer premium 42.75 45.60
Non-dependent deductions:
Aged under 25 and on IS or (JSA (IB)) or ESA (IR) which does not include an amount for the support component or work-related activity component or UC where the award is calculated on the basis that the non-dependant does not have any earned income Nil Nil
Aged 25 or over and on IS or JSA(IB) or aged 18 or over and not in remunerative work 18.10 19.30
In receipt of main phase ESA (IR) (any age) 18.10 19.30
In receipt of State Pension credit Nil Nil
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work:
- gross income less than £176.00 18.10 19.30
- gross income: £176.00 to £255.99 41.60 44.40
- gross income: £256.00 to £333.99 57.10 60.95
- gross income: £334.00 to £444.99 93.40 99.65
- gross income: £445.00 to £553.99 106.35 113.50
- gross income: £554.00 and above 116.75 124.55
Fuel deductions:
Heating 35.25 35.25
Hot water 4.10 4.10
Lighting 2.85 2.85
Cooking 4.10 4.10
All fuel 46.30 46.30
Fuel deductions for one room:
Heating and hot water and / or lighting 21.10 21.10
Cooking 4.10 4.10
Amounts ineligible for meals
Three or more meals a day:
Single claimant 33.15 35.35
Each person in family aged 16 or over 33.15 35.35
Each child under 16 16.80 17.95
Less than three meals a day:
Single claimant 22.10 23.60
Each person in family aged 16 or over 22.10 23.60
Each child under 16 11.05 11.80
Breakfast only - claimant and each member of family 4.05 4.30
Disregards:
Childcare charges 175.00 175.00
Childcare charges (2 or more children) 300.00 300.00
Additional earnings disregard 17.10 17.10
Income from sub-tenants 20.00 20.00
Permitted Earnings – higher 167.00 183.50
Permitted Earnings – lower 20.00 20.00
Recovery of overpayments:
Standard rate (non-fraud debt) 12.75 13.65
Maximum rate (fraud classified debt) 21.25 22.75
Capital limit:
Upper capital limit – State Pension credit guarantee credit not in payment 16,000.00 16,000.00
Upper capital limit – State Pension credit guarantee credit in payment No limit No limit
Lower capital limit – above qualifying age for State Pension credit 10,000.00 10,000.00

Table 3: Jobseeker’s Allowance contributory rates

Jobseeker’s Allowance contributory rates FYE March 2024 £ FYE March 2025 £ HB system - agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Personal rates:
Under 25 67.20 71.70
Aged 25 or over 84.80 90.50
Employment and Support Allowance work-related activity rates FYE March 2024 £ FYE March 2025 £ HB system - agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Work-related activity component 33.70 35.95
Support component 44.70 47.70
Capital limits:
Upper capital limit 16,000.00 16,000.00
Lower capital limit 6,000.00 6,000.00

Table 5: Other contributory and non-contributory social security rates

Other contributory and non-contributory social security rates FYE March 2024 £ FYE March 2025 £ HB system - agreed to March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Attendance Allowance:
Higher rate 101.75 108.55
Lower rate 68.10 72.65
Bereavement Benefits
Widowed parent’s allowance 139.10 148.40
Widows Pension standard rate 139.10 148.40
Carers Allowance:
Standard rate 76.75 81.90
Dependency increase 11.35 11.35
Disability Living Allowance
Care component:
Higher rate 101.75 108.55
Middle rate 68.10 72.65
Lower rate 26.90 28.70
Mobility component:
Higher rate 71.00 75.75
Lower rate 26.90 28.70
Incapacity benefit
Long term Incapacity Benefit:
Single 130.20 138.90
Spouse or adult dependant (where appropriate) 75.65 80.70
Short term incapacity benefit (under pension age):
Lower rate 98.25 104.85
Higher rate 116.20 124.00
Spouse or other adult dependant (where appropriate) 58.90 62.85
Short term incapacity benefit (over pension age):
Lower rate 124.90 133.25
Higher rate 130.20 138.90
Spouse or other adult dependant (where appropriate) 72.80 77.70
Increase of long term incapacity benefit for age:
Higher rate 13.80 14.70
Lower rate 7.65 8.15
Invalidity Allowance (transitional) for Incapacity Benefit recipients:
Higher rate 13.80 14.70
Middle rate 7.65 8.15
Lower rate 7.65 8.15
Industrial Death Benefit
Widow’s Pension:
Higher rate 156.20 169.50
Lower rate 46.86 50.85
Widower’s Pension 156.20 169.50
Industrial injuries disablement benefit:
Disablement benefit (100% assessment) 207.60 221.50
Unemployment supplement 128.40 137.00
Reduced earnings allowance (maximum) 83.04 88.60
Maternity allowance:
Standard rate 172.48 184.03
Threshold 30.00 30.00
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Daily living component:
Standard rate 68.10 72.65
Enhanced rate 101.75 108.55
Mobility component:
Standard rate 26.90 28.70
Enhanced rate 71.00 75.75
Severe disablement allowance:
Basic rate 92.20 98.40
Spouse or other adult dependant (where appropriate) 45.35 48.40
Age-related addition:
Higher rate 13.80 14.70
Middle rate 7.65 8.15
Lower rate 7.65 8.15
Old State retirement pension:
Category A or B (single person) 156.20 169.50
Category B (lower) – spouse or civil partner’s insurance 93.60 101.55
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional):
Higher rate 26.60 28.40
Middle rate 17.10 18.20
Lower rate 8.55 9.10
New State Pension:
New State Pension (full rate) 203.85 221.20
Statutory adoption pay:
Earning threshold 123.00 123.00
Standard rate 172.48 184.03
Statutory Maternity Pay:
Earnings threshold 123.00 123.00
Standard rate 172.48 184.03
Statutory Paternity Pay:
Earnings threshold 123.00 123.00 -
Standard rate 172.48 184.03
Statutory shared parental pay:
Earnings threshold 123.00 123.00
Standard rate 172.48 184.03
Statutory Sick Pay:
Earnings threshold 123.00 123.00
Standard rate 109.40 116.75

Table 6: Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance rates

Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance rates FYE March 2024 £ FYE March 2025 £ HB system - agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Child Benefit (weekly):
Eldest / only child 24.00 25.60
Other children 15.90 16.95
Guardian’s Allowance:
Weekly allowance 20.40 21.75

Table 7: National Insurance contribution rates and allowances

National Insurance contributions rates and allowances FYE March 2024 £ FYE March 2025 £ HB system - agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Class 1 NICs: employee and employer per week - weekly thresholds:
Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) 123.00 123.00
Primary Threshold (PT) 242.00 242.00
Secondary Threshold (ST) 175.00 175.00
Upper Earnings Limit (UEL) 967.00 967.00
Upper Secondary Threshold (UST) for under 21s 967.00 967.00
Apprentice Upper Secondary Threshold (AUST) for under 25s 967.00 967.00
Class 1 NICs: employee and employer per month – monthly thresholds:
Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) 533.00 533.00
Primary Threshold (PT) 1,048.00 1,048.00
Secondary Thresholds (ST) 758.00 758.00
Upper Earnings Limit (UEL) 4,189.00 4,189.00
Upper Secondary Threshold (UST) for under 21s 4,189.00 4,189.00
Apprentice Upper Secondary Threshold (AUST) for under 25s 4,189.00 4,189.00
Class 1 NICs: employer rates: FYE March 2024 FYE March 2025 HB system - agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Rate above the Secondary Threshold (ST) 13.80% 13.80%
Rate below Upper Secondary Threshold (UST) 0.00% 0.00%
Rate below Apprentice Upper Secondary Threshold (AUPST) 0.00% 0.00%
Class 1A rate on expenses and benefits 13.80% 13.80%
Class 1 NICs: employee rates: From 6 Nov 2022 to 5 April 2023 From 6 April 2023 to 5 January 2024 From 6 January 2024 to 5 April 2024 FYE March 2025 HB system - agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Between Primary Threshold and Upper Earnings Limit 12.00% 12.00% 10.00% 8.00%
Above Upper Earnings Limit 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%
Married women’s reduced rate 5.85% 5.85% 3.85% 1.85%
Rate for employees deferring National Insurance 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%
Class 2 NICs rates (self-employed): FYE March 2024 FYE March 2025 HB system - agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Small Profits Threshold (SPT) – amount per year 6,725 6,725
Rate per week 3.45 3.45
Class 3 NI (voluntary):
Class 3 17.45 17.45
Class 4 NICs rates (self-employed):
Lower Profits Limit (LPL) 12,570 12,570
Upper Profits Limit (UPL) 50,270 50,270
Between Lower Profits Limit (LPL) & Upper Profits Limit (UPL) 9.00% 6.00%
Rate above Upper Profits Limit (UPL) 2.00% 2.00%
Special rates:
Special Class 2 rate for shared fishermen 4.10 4.10
Special Class 2 rates for volunteer development 6.15 6.15
Additional Class 4 rate when deferring National Insurance 2.00% 2.00%

Table 8: War Pensions Scheme benefits 

War Pensions scheme benefits rates FYE March 2024 £ FYE March 2025 £ HB system – agreed to FYE March 2025 amount by (report reference / screen number):
Armed Forces Independence Payment:
Armed Forces Independence Payment 172.75 184.30
Housing Benefit disregards:
War Disablement Pension 10.00 10.00
Supplementary pre-1973 War Widow’s Pensions 111.74 119.23