Universal Credit Calculator 2026/27

Estimate your monthly Universal Credit entitlement based on your household, income and housing costs. Uses 2026/27 UC rates.

Estimated Monthly UC Payment
£0
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Maximum UC
£0
Standard Allowance
£0
Housing Element
£0
Work Allowance
£0
Earned Income Taper
-£0
Capital Deduction
-£0
Enter your details to estimate your UC entitlement.
UC Breakdown
Elements and Deductions
How It Works

Universal Credit is made up of a standard allowance plus elements for children, housing, disability, caring and childcare. The total of these is your maximum UC.

From your maximum UC, two types of deductions are made. If you have savings between £6,001 and £16,000, a tariff income of £4.35 per £250 (or part) over £6,000 is applied. If you work, a 55% taper applies to earnings above your work allowance - for every £1 you earn over the allowance, your UC falls by 55p.

The work allowance is £404/month if you receive a housing element, or £673/month without one. It only applies if you have dependent children or a limited capability for work.

UC is paid monthly in arrears. There is a 5-week wait for your first payment. Advance payments are available but must be repaid from future UC payments.

Important disclaimer: This is an estimate only. UC depends on many factors not captured here. Use gov.uk/benefits-calculators or contact Citizens Advice for an official estimate before making decisions.

UC Standard Allowances 2026/27

Monthly amounts · elements added on top for children, housing, disability and caring

Household Monthly Standard Allowance Annual Equivalent
Single, under 25£316.98£3,803.76
Single, 25 or over£400.14£4,801.68
Couple, both under 25£497.55£5,970.60
Couple, one or both 25+£628.10£7,537.20
Child (first, born before 6 Apr 2017)£339.00£4,068.00
Child (first/subsequent, born after 6 Apr 2017)£292.81£3,513.72

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Universal Credit FAQs

What counts as income for Universal Credit?
UC counts earned income (wages and self-employment profit), occupational pensions, and some other benefits including Carer's Allowance, Statutory Sick Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay. Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment do not count as income for UC. Savings above £6,000 create a notional tariff income of £4.35 per £250 over the threshold.
How do savings affect Universal Credit?
If you have savings or capital between £6,001 and £16,000, UC is reduced by a notional tariff income of £4.35 for every £250 (or part of £250) over £6,000. For example, £6,500 in savings reduces UC by £8.70/month. If your savings exceed £16,000 you are not entitled to UC at all, regardless of income or other circumstances.
What is the two-child limit in Universal Credit?
UC only pays a child element for the first two children in a household. Children born before 6 April 2017 are not affected · the limit applies to third or subsequent children born after that date. Exceptions exist for multiple births, children born following non-consensual conception (the rape clause), and certain other circumstances. The first child born before April 2017 attracts £339.00/month rather than £292.81/month.
When should I move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit?
The DWP is migrating all legacy benefit claimants (those on Housing Benefit, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker's Allowance) to UC through managed migration. You will receive a migration notice giving you at least 3 months to claim UC. Do not claim UC voluntarily before receiving your notice as you may lose transitional protection. If your UC entitlement is lower than your legacy benefits, you should receive transitional protection to bridge the gap.
Do I need to report changes of circumstances on Universal Credit?
Yes · you must report changes to your UC online journal promptly. This includes changes in income (starting or ending work), changes in household composition (a partner moving in or out), changes to rent, having a child, or receiving an inheritance or lump sum that affects your savings. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments that must be repaid and in serious cases, sanctions or prosecution for fraud.

This is an estimate only · Not financial or benefits advice · UC rates shown are 2026/27 · Use gov.uk/benefits-calculators for an official estimate