Main benefits are now indexed to the annual rise in the Cost of Living. The first inflation adjustment occurred on 1 April 2024, resulting in a 4.66 percent increase across main benefit payments.
The amount of main benefit you receive in the hand will not change any further from the tax package, as these rates are set ‘after-tax’.
However, if you are also receiving other income (eg, wages), this may increase because of the tax package. Any change in other income may affect the amount of assistance you receive from MSD. This will depend on the level of other income you receive.
Go to the Changes announced in Budget 2024 page on the MSD website to find out more about the impacts of the tax package on main benefits and other financial assistance.