The Department for Work and Pensions has made the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/218), laid on 6 March and in force from 6 April 2026. The instrument gives effect to the annual benefits and pensions up-rating alongside the separate Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/148). (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
The regulations apply across Great Britain, with important territorial qualifications. As with previous years, provisions linked to devolved benefits and the amendment to Carer’s Allowance earnings rules do not extend to Scotland. This reflects the transfer of functions for Carer’s Allowance to the Scottish Ministers and the ongoing roll-out of Carer Support Payment. (legislation.gov.uk)
Headline change for working carers: the weekly earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance is set at £204 from 6 April 2026. This figure is confirmed in the Department’s published 2026–27 benefit and pension rates schedule. The weekly Carer’s Allowance rate itself is listed at £86.45 for 2026–27. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
For claimants whose benefit is paid direct to accommodation providers under third‑party arrangements, the personal expenses allowance rises from £32.30 to £33.55 per week. This amount appears in the 2026–27 rates tables and is relevant where Schedule 9 to the Claims and Payments Regulations applies. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
Regulation 3 maintains long‑standing limits on applying up-rating to people not ordinarily resident in Great Britain. It applies regulation 5 of the Social Security Benefit (Persons Abroad) Regulations 1975 and regulation 21 of the State Pension Regulations 2015, so that state pension up-rating is not paid overseas unless required under UK law or international arrangements. (legislation.gov.uk)
Procedurally, where there is a dispute about the correct rate or whether conditions are met at the altered rate, payment at the new rate is deferred until the matter is determined under the Social Security Act 1998. This mirrors the approach taken in the 2025 up‑rating regulations and prevents over‑ or under‑payments while decisions are pending. (legislation.gov.uk)
For employers and payroll teams, the £204 Carer’s Allowance earnings limit is assessed on net weekly earnings after permitted deductions. The Department’s 2026–27 rates documentation should be used to update earnings checks and automate triggers where staff on variable hours approach the threshold. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
Practitioners should note the devolution position. Carer’s Allowance is being replaced in Scotland by Carer Support Payment administered by Social Security Scotland; earnings rules and operational practice may therefore diverge. Local guidance from Social Security Scotland should be checked alongside DWP materials. (socialsecurity.gov.scot)
The Up-rating Order for 2026–27 implements the Government’s wider policy: the state pension is increased in line with earnings and most working‑age and disability benefits in line with prices, as summarised by Parliament’s Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee. Operationally, these changes and the Regulations take effect from April 2026. (publications.parliament.uk)
Finally, the 2026 instrument revokes the 2025 up-rating regulations to keep the statute book current. Departments, councils and care providers should update award notices, third‑party deduction arrangements and management information from 6 April, and ensure communications to residents and carers reflect the revised rates and residency rules. (legislation.gov.uk)