Accredited official statistics

Uses and users of the DWP abstract of statistics

Updated 22 January 2025

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Read the Abstract of DWP benefit rate statistics.

Introduction

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) annually publish key statistics on the main aspects of Benefits Uprating and Indices of Price Inflation and Earnings Growth.

The abstract is released annually, and contains Accredited Official Statistics on current and historical indices of inflation and earnings, and benefit rates. The purpose of the publication is to provide a reference source for people interested in benefit uprating and the value of benefits compared to prices and earnings. Each new publication updates all previously released information, it comprises:

  • publication summary – with background information showing the latest benefit uprating methodology
  • spreadsheet tables – these tables provide the user with access to the underlying indices and benefit rates for further analysis

Known uses of the Abstract of DWP benefit rate statistics

DWP heard from users of the Abstract during both of our 2009 and 2019 consultations into the future of this publication. As a result, we know the abstract is used by DWP, Parliament, academia, local authorities and the general public:

  • as a reference source to describe how benefits have been uprated across time
  • to show the real value of benefit rates across time

Users specifically mentioned the authoritative nature of the abstract and the helpful presentation of all the relevant numbers in one volume.

Valid uses of DWP Abstract of DWP benefit rate statistics

The Abstract of DWP benefit rate statistics can be used for:

  • understanding DWP benefit uprating history
  • obtaining a time series of benefit rates
  • providing direct links and/or instructions to all previously published elements

It should not be used for:

  • RPI, Rossi, New Rossi and CPI time series (available in the data tables). These series should be obtained from the main Office for National Statistics source
  • the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) time series (available in the data tables). This series should be obtained from the main Office for National Statistics source

Areas of Unmet Need

There are no known areas of unmet need. Previously, customers have sometimes requested access to the underlying spreadsheet. From July 2012, these are provided as part of the standard release.

Tell us what you think

We are seeking your views about this publication. To help shape future releases we would like to learn more about how the release is being used, and how easy it is to find the information you need.

We’re also asking for feedback on the suitability of sources used in relation to inflation and earnings. Your response to the questionnaire will help us understand the way our statistics are used and what users consider important.

Read the abstract of DWP benefit rate statistics: user questionnaire for more information.

Send comments by email to: benefits.statistics@dwp.gov.uk

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