UK Inflation Rises to 2.2% in July

In the UK, 22.7 million people are claiming benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), including nearly 12.7 million pensioners receiving State Pension payments. A key benefit is the annual 'Christmas Bonus,' a one-off, tax-free £10 payment for eligible individuals receiving the State Pension or certain other benefits, which should be automatically credited to their accounts. Additionally, inflation has risen to 2.2% in July, affecting disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as the September CPI will determine annual increases. While benefits rose by 6.7% in April, the upcoming financial year may see a smaller increase, with potential monthly payments for PIP reaching up to £753 if the 2.2% increase is applied. The Government is expected to confirm these changes during the Autumn Budget on October 30, with laws requiring benefits to increase in line with inflation. Current PIP rates range from £28.70 to £184.30 weekly, translating to 13 payments annually due to the four-week payment cycle.