Which states have increased the DA in 2026, and when can employees in UP expect good news?

Several states across the country have increased the Dearness Allowance (DA), and now, employees in UP are eagerly awaiting the next hike. Currently, the DA in UP stands at 60 percent. This raises the question: when will the DA be increased in UP?

Managing household expenses amidst rising inflation is no easy task. For government employees, an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) is significant, as it directly boosts their monthly take-home pay. Notably, this year, several states—not just one or two—have extended the benefit of a DA hike to their employees and pensioners. The key questions now are: which states have implemented a DA increase, and when can employees in UP expect the good news regarding their next hike?

With major festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja approaching—a period when expenses typically rise—an increase in the Dearness Allowance could provide substantial relief to employees.

When will the Dearness Allowance be increased in UP?

Currently, employees in UP receive a Dearness Allowance of 60 percent. No official announcement has been made yet regarding the next DA hike, which would be applicable from July 2026. According to reports, the government is working on this ahead of Diwali. It is anticipated that the DA could be increased by 3 to 4 percent. If finalized, this would bring the Dearness Allowance for employees to 63–64 percent. However, as of now, there has been no increase in the DA for employees in UP.

Which states have increased the DA in 2026?

• In Punjab, the Dearness Allowance has been increased by 8 percent. Previously, employees received a Dearness Allowance (DA) of 42 percent, which has now been increased to 50 percent.
• In Odisha, the Dearness Allowance has been raised from 58 percent to 60 percent.
• In Kerala, the Dearness Allowance for employees has been increased by 2 percent; it has risen from 35 percent to 37 percent.
• In Tamil Nadu, the Dearness Allowance has reached 60 percent, following a 2 percent increase.
• In Himachal Pradesh, the government has increased the Dearness Allowance by 5 percent—from 45 percent to 50 percent.
• In Bihar, too, the Dearness Allowance has been increased by 2 percent under the Seventh Pay Commission, rising from 58 percent to 60 percent.
• Additionally, in Assam, the Dearness Allowance has been raised from 58 percent to 60 percent—an increase of 2 percent.
• In Sikkim, the Dearness Allowance has been increased by 2 percent under the Seventh Pay Commission, moving from 58 percent to 60 percent.
• In West Bengal, the Dearness Allowance for employees has been increased by 20 percent, bringing the total to 38 percent.
• In Arunachal Pradesh, the Dearness Allowance has been increased by 2 percent, rising from 58 percent to 60 percent.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Dearness Allowance has been approved in two installments. With the July 2024 installment, the rate increased from 37.31 percent to 40.04 percent, and following the January 2025 installment, it reached 41.85 percent. Consequently, the total increase across both installments amounts to 4.55 percent. Relief Through an Increase in Dearness Allowance (DA)

In these times of rising inflation, managing expenses—such as children's education, groceries, medical costs, and other daily needs—can become quite difficult. An increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) boosts the salaries of government employees, providing significant support in covering household expenses. For instance, if an employee has a basic salary of ₹30,000 and the DA is increased by 2%, they will receive an additional ₹600 every month. This extra amount can then be used to meet essential needs.