Universal Credit: What You’ll Get
Universal Credit provides financial support to help individuals and families with living costs. The amount you’ll receive depends on your circumstances, such as your age, living situation, and income. Below, you’ll find detailed information about the standard allowances and additional elements you may qualify for.
Standard Allowance
The Standard Allowance is the base amount of Universal Credit you may be entitled to, depending on your age and whether you’re single or in a couple.
| Your Circumstances | Monthly Standard Allowance |
|---|---|
| Single and under 25 | £292.11 |
| Single and 25 or over | £368.74 |
| In a couple and both under 25 | £458.51 (for both) |
| In a couple and one or both 25 or over | £578.82 (for both) |
Additional Elements
In addition to the standard allowance, you may be eligible for extra payments based on your specific needs. These include support for children, housing, disabilities, and caring responsibilities.
Child Element
You’ll get extra money if you have children:
- First child (born before 6 April 2017): £315.00 per month.
- First or subsequent child (born on or after 6 April 2017): £269.58 per month (per child).
If you have a child with disabilities, you may receive:
- Lower rate (child on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)): £146.31 per month.
- Higher rate (child on higher rate care component of DLA or enhanced rate daily living component of PIP): £456.89 per month.
Housing Element
You could get help with housing costs if you:
- Pay rent for a property.
- Have a mortgage and need help with interest payments (this is provided as a loan).
The amount you receive depends on your rent, location, and household size. The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) determines the maximum amount for private renters.
Disability Element
If you have a disability or health condition that limits your ability to work, you may be entitled to additional payments:
- Limited Capability for Work (LCW): £146.31 per month.
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA): £390.06 per month.
These payments are awarded based on a Work Capability Assessment.
Carer Element
You’ll get £185.86 per month if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they receive a qualifying disability benefit.
How Your Payment Is Affected
Your Universal Credit payment may be reduced depending on your income or savings:
Earnings
For every £1 you earn above the Work Allowance (if eligible), your payment is reduced by 55p. The work allowance applies if you:
- Have responsibility for a child.
- Cannot work due to a disability or health condition.
The Work Allowance thresholds are:
- £379 per month (if you receive help with housing costs).
- £631 per month (if you do not receive help with housing costs).
Savings
Your savings will affect your entitlement:
- £6,000 or less: No effect.
- £6,001 to £16,000: Your payment is reduced by £4.35 for every £250 above £6,000.
- £16,000 or more: You will not be eligible for Universal Credit.
When You’ll Be Paid
Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears, directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. The payment includes all allowances and elements you’re entitled to.
If you’re waiting for your first payment and need support, you can apply for an advance payment, which will be deducted from future Universal Credit payments.
Changes to Your Payment
It’s important to report any changes in your circumstances, as these may affect your payment. This includes changes to:
- Your income or employment status.
- Your household size (e.g., having a child or a partner moving in or out).
- Your savings.
Failure to report changes could result in overpayments, which you will need to repay.
