Monday 12th December 2011

(12 years, 11 months ago)

Written Statements
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Steve Webb Portrait The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Steve Webb)
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I am pleased to announce the proposed social security benefits rates for 2012, which are set out in the table below. The annual up-rating of benefits will take place for state pensions and most other benefits in the first full week of the tax year. In 2012, this will be the week beginning 9 April. A corresponding provision will be made in Northern Ireland.

RatesRates

(Weekly rates unless otherwise shown)

2011

2012

attendance allowance

higher rate

73.60

77.45

lower rate

49.30

51.85

bereavement benefit

Bereavement payment (lump sum)

2000.00

2000.00

Widowed parent's allowance

100.70

105.95

Bereavement Allowance

standard rate

100.70

105.95

age-related

age 54

93.65

98.53

53

86.60

91.12

52

79.55

83.70

51

72.50

76.28

50

65.46

68.87

49

58.41

61.45

48

51.36

54.03

47

44.31

46.62

46

37.26

39.20

45

30.21

31.79

capital limits—rules common to Income Support, Income based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit unless stated otherwise

upper limit

16000.00

16000.00

upper limit - Pension Credit guarantee credit and those getting Housing Benefit /Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credit guarantee credit

No limit

No limit

Amount disregarded - all benefits except Pension Credit and Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit for those above the qualifying age for Guarantee Credit

6000.00

6000.00

Amount disregarded - Pension Credit and Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for those above the qualifying age for Pension Credit

10000.00

10000.00

child disregard (not Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance)

3000.00

3000.00

amount disregarded (living in RC/NH)

10000.00

10000.00

Tariff income

£1 for every £250, or part thereof, between the amount of capital disregarded and the capital upper limit

Tariff income - Pension Credit and HB/CTB where claimant/ partner is over Guarantee Credit qualifying age

£1 for every £500, or part thereof, between the amount of

capital disregarded and capital upper limit

Carer’s allowance

55.55

58.45

council tax benefit

Personal allowances

Single

18 to 24

53.45

56.25

25 or over

67.50

71.00

entitled to main phase ESA

67.50

71.00

lone parent

67.50

71.00

Couple

105.95

111.45

dependent children

62.33

64.99

Pensioner

Single/lone parent has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but under 65.

137.35

142.70

couple - one or both has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but both under 65

209.70

217.90

single/lone parent - 65 and over

157.90

161.25

couple - one or both 65 and over

236.80

241.65

Premiums

Family

17.40

17.40

family (lone parent rate)

22.20

22.20

Disability

Single

28.85

30.35

Couple

41.10

43.25

enhanced disability

Single

14.05

14.80

disabled child

21.63

22.89

Couple

20.25

21.30

severe disability

Single

55.30

58.20

couple (lower rate)

55.30

58.20

couple (higher rate)

110.60

116.40

disabled child

53.62

56.63

Carer

31.00

32.60

ESA components

work-related activity

26.75

28.15

Support

32.35

34.05

Alternative maximum Council Tax Benefit

second adult on IS, JSA(IB), ESA(IR) or Pension Credit

25% of Council Tax

25% of Council Tax

first adult(s) student(s)

100% of Council Tax

100% of Council Tax

second adult's gross income :

-under £180.00

15% of Council Tax

15% of Council Tax

-£180.00 to £234.99

7.5% of Council Tax

7.5% of Council Tax

deductions—rules common to Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council tax benefit unless stated otherwise

Non-dependant deductions from housing benefit and from IS, JSA(IB), ESA(IR) and Pension Credit

aged 25 and over in receipt of IS and JSA(IB),

in receipt of main phase ESA(IR),

aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work

9.40

11.45

aged 18 or over and in remunerative work

- gross income: less than £124.00

9.40

11.45

- gross income: £124 to £182.99

21.55

26.25

- gross income: £183 to £237.99

29.60

36.10

- gross income: £238 to £315.99

48.45

59.05

- gross income: £316 to £393.99

55.20

67.25

- gross income: £394 and above

60.60

73.85

Non-dependant deductions from council tax benefit

aged 18 or over and in remunerative work

- gross income: £394 or more

8.60

9.90

- gross income: £316 - £393.99

7.20

8.25

- gross income: £183 - £315.99

5.70

6.55

- gross income less than £183

2.85

3.30

others, aged 18 or over

2.85

3.30

Deductions from housing benefit

Service charges for fuel

Heating

21.55

25.50

hot water

2.50

2.95

Lighting

1.75

2.05

Cooking

2.50

2.95

Amount ineligible for meals

three or more meals a day

single claimant

24.05

25.30

each person in family aged 16 or over

24.05

25.30

each child under 16

12.15

12.80

less than three meals a day

single claimant

16.00

16.85

each person in family aged 16 or over

16.00

16.85

each child under 16

8.05

8.45

breakfast only - claimant and each member of the family

2.95

3.10

Amount for personal expenses (not HB/CTB)

22.60

23.25

Third party deductions from IS, JSA(IB), ESA(IR) and Pension Credit for;

arrears of housing, fuel and water costs

3.40

3.55

council tax etc. and deductions for ELDS and ILS.

child support, contribution towards maintenance (CTM)

standard deduction

6.80

7.10

lower deduction

3.40

3.55

arrears of Community Charge

court order against claimant

3.40

3.55

court order against couple

5.30

5.60

fine or compensation order

standard rate

5.00

5.00

lower rate

3.40

3.55

Maximum deduction rates for recovery of overpayments (not CTB/JSA(C)/ESA(C))

ordinary overpayments

10.20

10.65

where claimant convicted of fraud

13.60

17.75

Deductions from JSA(C) and ESA (C)

Arrears of Comm. Charge, Council Tax, fines & overpayment recovery

Age 16-24

17.81

18.75

Age 25 +

22.50

23.66

Max. dedn for arrears of Child Maintenance (CTM)

Age 16-24

17.81

18.75

Age 25 +

22.50

23.66

Dependency Increases

Adult dependency increases for spouse or person looking after children —payable with;

State Pension on own insurance (Cat A or B)

58.80

61.85

long term Incapacity Benefit ISCS Group 13 Type 5

54.75

57.60

Severe Disablement Allowance

32.90

34.60

Carers Allowance

32.70

34.40

short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age)

52.70

55.45

short-term Incapacity Benefit (under State Pension age)

42.65

44.85

Child Dependency Increases - payable with;

State Pension; Widowed Mothers/Parents Allowance;

11.35

11.35

short-term Incapacity benefit—higher rate or over state pension age;

long-term Incapacity Benefit; Carer's Allowance; Severe Disablement

Allowance; Industrial Death Benefit (higher rate);

nb—The rate of child dependency increase is adjusted where it is payable for the eldest child for whom child benefit is also paid. The weekly rate in such cases is reduced by the difference (less £3.65) between the ChB rates for the eldest and subsequent children.

8.10

8.10

disability living allowance

Care Component

Highest

73.60

77.45

Middle

49.30

51.85

Lowest

19.55

20.55

Mobility Component

Higher

51.40

54.05

Lower

19.55

20.55

disregards

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

Earnings disregards

standard (single claimant)

5.00

5.00

Couple

10.00

10.00

higher (special occupations/circumstances)

20.00

20.00

lone parent

25.00

25.00

childcare charges

175.00

175.00

childcare charges (2 or more children)

300.00

300.00

permitted work higher

95.00

97.50

permitted work lower

20.00

20.00

Other Income disregards

adult maintenance disregard

15.00

15.00

war disablement pension and war widows pension

10.00

10.00

widowed mothers/parents allowance

15.00

15.00

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

10.00

10.00

student loan

10.00

10.00

student's covenanted income

5.00

5.00

Income from boarders (plus 50% of the balance)

20.00

20.00

additional earnings disregard

17.10

17.10

Income from subtenants (£20 fixed from April 08)

20.00

20.00

Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance,

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit

Earnings disregards

standard (single claimant)

5.00

5.00

Couple

10.00

10.00

higher (special occupations/circumstances)

20.00

20.00

Other Income disregards

war disablement pension and war widows pension

10.00

10.00

widowed mothers/parents allowance

10.00

10.00

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

10.00

10.00

student loan (not Pension Credit)

10.00

10.00

student's covenanted income (not Pension Credit)

5.00

5.00

Income from boarders (plus 50% of the balance)

20.00

20.00

Income from subtenants (£20 fixed from April 08)

20.00

20.00

earnings rules

Carers Allowance

100.00

100.00

Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance

95.00

97.50

Permitted work earnings limit – higher

95.00

97.50

- lower

20.00

20.00

Industrial injuries unemployability supplement

4940.00

5070.00

permitted earnings level (annual amount)

Earnings level at which adult dependency (ADI) increases are

Affected with:

short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is

(a) under state pension age

42.65

44.85

(b) over state pension age

52.70

55.45

state pension, long term incapacity benefit,

severe disablement allowance, unemployability

supplement - payable when dependant

(a) is living with claimant

67.50

71.00

(b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule

45.09

45.09

Earnings level at which ADI is affected when dependent

is not living with claimant;

state pension.

58.80

61.85

long-term incapacity benefit.

54.75

57.60

unemployability supplement.

55.55

58.45

severe disablement allowance

32.90

34.60

Carers allowance

32.70

34.40

Earnings level at which child dependency increases

are affected

for first child

205.00

215.00

additional amount for each subsequent child

27.00

28.00

Pension income threshold for incapacity benefit

85.00

85.00

Pension income threshold for contributory Employment Support Allowance

85.00

85.00

employment and support allowance

Personal Allowances

Single

under 25

53.45

56.25

25 or over

67.50

71.00

lone parent

under 18

53.45

56.25

18 or over

67.50

71.00

Couple

both under 18

53.45

56.25

both under 18 with child

80.75

84.95

both under 18 (main phase)

67.50

71.00

both under 18 with child (main phase)

105.95

111.45

one 18 or over, one under 18 (certain conditions apply)

105.95

111.45

both over 18

105.95

111.45

claimant under 25, partner under 18

53.45

56.25

claimant 25 or over, partner under 18

67.50

71.00

claimant (main phase), partner under 18

67.50

71.00

Premiums

enhanced disability

Single

14.05

14.80

Couple

20.25

21.30

severe disability

Single

55.30

58.20

couple (lower rate)

55.30

58.20

couple (higher rate)

110.60

116.40

Carer

31.00

32.60

Pensioner

single with WRAC

43.10

43.55

single with support component

37.50

37.65

single with no component

69.85

71.70

couple with WRAC

77.00

78.30

couple with support component

71.40

72.40

couple with no component

103.75

106.45

Components

Work-related activity

26.75

28.15

Support

32.35

34.05

Housing Benefit

Personal allowances

Single

Under 25

53.45

56.25

25 or over

67.50

71.00

entitled to main phase ESA

67.50

71.00

lone parent

Under 18

53.45

56.25

18 or over

67.50

71.00

entitled to main phase ESA

67.50

71.00

Couple

both under 18

80.75

84.95

one or both 18 or over

105.95

111.45

claimant entitled to main phase ESA

105.95

111.45

dependent children

62.33

64.99

Pensioner

single/lone parent has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but under 65.

137.35

142.70

Couple—one or both has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but both under 65

209.70

217.90

single / lone parent—65 and over

157.90

161.25

Couple—one or both 65 and over

236.80

241.65

Premiums

Family

17.40

17.40

Family (lone parent rate)

22.20

22.20

Disability

Single

28.85

30.35

Couple

41.10

43.25

Enhanced disability

Single

14.05

14.80

disabled child

21.63

22.89

Couple

20.25

21.30

Severe disability

Single

55.30

58.20

Couple (lower rate)

55.30

58.20

Couple (higher rate)

110.60

116.40

disabled child

53.62

56.63

Carer

31.00

32.60

ESA components

work-related activity

26.75

28.15

Support

32.35

34.05

incapacity benefit

Long-term Incapacity Benefit

94.25

99.15

Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under state pension age)

lower rate

71.10

74.80

higher rate

84.15

88.55

Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age)

lower rate

90.45

95.15

higher rate

94.25

99.15

Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age

higher rate

13.80

11.70

lower rate

5.60

5.90

Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)

Higher rate

13.80

11.70

middle rate

7.10

5.90

lower rate

5.60

5.90

Income Support

Personal Allowances

Single

under 25

53.45

56.25

25 or over

67.50

71.00

lone parent

under 18

53.45

56.25

18 or over

67.50

71.00

Couple

both under 18

53.45

56.25

both under 18—higher rate

80.75

84.95

one under 18, one under 25

53.45

56.25

one under 18, one 25 and over

67.50

71.00

both 18 or over

105.95

111.45

dependent children

62.33

64.99

Premiums

family / lone parent

17.40

17.40

pensioner (applies to couples only)

103.75

106.45

Disability

Single

28.85

30.35

Couple

41.10

43.25

enhanced disability

Single

14.05

14.80

disabled child

21.63

22.89

Couple

20.25

21.30

severe disability

Single

55.30

58.20

couple (lower rate)

55.30

58.20

couple (higher rate)

110.60

116.40

disabled child

53.62

56.63

Carer

31.00

32.60

Relevant sum for strikers

36.00

38.00

Industrial Death Benefit

Widow’s pension

higher rate

102.15

107.45

lower rate

30.65

32.24

Widower’s pension

102.15

107.45

industrial injuries disablement benefit

18 and over, or under 18 with dependants

100%

150.30

158.10

90%

135,27

142.29

80%

120.24

126.48

70%

105.21

110.67

60%

90.18

94.86

50%

75.15

79.05

40%

60.12

63.24

30%

45.09

47.43

20%

30.06

31.62

Under 18

100%

92.10

96.90

90%

82.89

87.21

80%

73.68

77.52

70%

64.47

67.83

60%

55.26

58.14

50%

46.05

48.45

40%

36.84

38.76

30%

27.63

29.07

20%

18.42

19.38

Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)

9980.00

10500.00

Unemployability Supplement

92.90

97.75

increase for early incapacity

higher rate

19.25

20.25

middle rate

12.40

13.00

lower rate

6.20

6.50

Maximum reduced earnings allowance

60.12

63.24

Maximum retirement allowance

15.03

15.81

Constant attendance allowance

exceptional rate

120.40

126.60

intermediate rate

90.30

94.95

normal maximum rate

60.20

63.30

part-time rate

30.10

31.65

Exceptionally severe disablement allowance

60.20

63.30

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contribution-based JSA—Personal rates

under 25

53.45

56.25

25 or over

67.50

71.00

Income-based JSA— personal allowances

under 25

53.45

56.25

25 or over

67.50

71.00

lone parent

under 18

53.45

56.25

18 or over

67.50

71.00

Couple

both under 18

53.45

56.25

both under 18—higher rate

80.75

84.95

one under 18, one under 25

53.45

56.25

one under 18, one 25 and over

67.50

71.00

both 18 or over

105.95

111.45

dependent children

62.33

64.99

Premiums

family / lone parent

17.40

17.40

Pensioner

Single

69.85

71.70

Couple

103.75

106.45

Disability

Single

28.85

30.35

Couple

41.10

43.25

enhanced disability

Single

14.05

14.80

disabled child

21.63

22.89

Couple

20.25

21.30

severe disability

Single

55.30

58.20

couple (lower rate)

55.30

58.20

couple (higher rate)

110.60

116.40

disabled child

53.62

56.63

Carer

31.00

32.60

Prescribed sum for strikers

36.00

38.00

Maternity Allowance

Standard rate

128.73

135.45

MA threshold

30.00

30.00

Pension Credit

Standard minimum guarantee

Single

137.35

142.70

Couple

209.70

217.90

Additional amount for severe disability

Single

55.30

58.20

couple (one qualifies)

55.30

58.20

couple (both qualify)

110.60

116.40

Additional amount for carers

31.00

32.60

Savings credit

threshold—single

103.15

111.80

threshold—couple

164.55

178.35

maximum—single

20.52

18.54

maximum—couple

27.09

23.73

Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage

209.70

217.90

Additional amount for additional spouse

72.35

75.20

Non-State Pensions (for Pension Credit purposes)

Statutory minimum increase to non-state pensions

Increase by:

5.20%

Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis, and Miscellaneous Diseases Scheme and the Workmen’s Compensation (Supplementation)

Total disablement allowance and major incapacity

allowance (maximum)

150.30

158.10

Partial disablement allowance

55.55

58.45

Unemployability supplement

92.90

97.75

increases for early incapacity -

higher rate

19.25

20.25

middle rate

12.40

13.00

lower rate

6.20

6.50

Constant attendance allowance

exceptional rate

120.40

126.60

intermediate rate

90.30

94.95

normal maximum rate

60.20

63.30

part-time rate

30.10

31.65

Exceptionally severe disablement allowance

60.20

63.30

Lesser incapacity allowance

maximum rate of allowance

55.55

58.45

based on loss of earnings over

73.60

77.45

Severe Disablement Allowance

Basic rate

62.95

69.00

Age-related addition (from Dec 90)

Higher rate

13.80

11.70

Middle rate

7.10

5.90

Lower rate

5.60

5.90

State Pension

Category A or B

102.15

107.45

Category B (lower)—spouse or civil partner’s insurance

61.20

64.40

Category C or D—non-contributory

61.20

64.40

Additional pension

Increase by:

5.20%

Increments to:-

Basic pension

Increase by:

5.20%

Additional pension

Increase by:

5.20%

Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)

Increase by:

5.20%

Inheritable lump sum

Increase by:

5.20%

Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings

Nil

Nil

Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997

Increase by:

3.00%

Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit)

0.1189

0.1251

Increase of long-term incapacity for age

Increase by:

5.20%

Addition at age 80

0.25

0.25

Increase of long-term incapacity for age

higher rate

19.25

20.25

lower rate

9.65

10.15

Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) for State Pension recipients

higher rate

19.25

20.25

middle rate

12.40

13.00

lower rate

6.20

6.50

Statutory Adoption Pay

Earnings threshold

102.00

107.00

Standard Rate

128.73

135.45

statutory maternity pay

Earnings threshold

102.00

107.00

Standard rate

128.73

135.45

Statutory Paternity Pay

Earnings threshold

102.00

107.00

Standard Rate

128.73

135.45

Additional Statutory Paternity Pay

Earnings threshold

102.00

107.00

Standard Rate

128.73

135.45

Statutory sick pay

Earnings threshold

102.00

107.00

Standard rate

81.60

85.85

Widow’s benefit

Widowed mother's allowance

100.70

105.95

Widow’s pension

standard rate

100.70

105.95

age-related

age 54 (49)

93.65

98.53

53 (48)

86.60

91.12

52 (47)

79.55

83.70

51 (46)

72.50

76.28

50 (45)

65.46

68.87

49 (44)

58.41

61.45

48 (43)

51.36

54.03

47 (42)

44.31

46.62

46 (41)

37.26

39.20

45 (40)

30.21

31.79

Note: For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets.