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Universal Credit Calculator (2026/27)

Estimate your monthly Universal Credit award based on your situation, earnings and housing costs.

Short answer

Universal Credit pays a standard allowance plus elements for children, housing, disability and caring. Your award is reduced by 55p for every £1 of net earnings above any work allowance.
Step 1 of 10%

Your household

Relationship status
£
£

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used
Relationship status, Number of dependent children, Monthly rent (0 if owner-occupier), Net monthly take-home pay.
Calculation approach
The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage
Benefits & Support. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version
No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.
Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the sitewide source policy.

How it works

Universal Credit starts with a maximum award consisting of the standard allowance plus any child, housing, disability, carer and childcare elements that apply. Earnings then reduce the award by 55p for each £1 above any work allowance.

In 2026/27, eligible claimants get a monthly work allowance of £427 when the award includes housing costs or £710 without housing costs.

Worked example

Lisa (single, 32) has 2 children and rents for £900/month. She earns £1,200 net.

  • Max = £424.90 + £351.88 + £303.94 + £900 = £1,980.72
  • Earnings above £427 work allowance = £773
  • Taper = £773 × 55% = £425.15
  • Estimated UC = £1,555.57/month

Who should use this

  • •Working-age adults on low income or out of work
  • •Families needing help with children or housing
  • •People moving from legacy benefits (Tax Credits, JSA, ESA, IS, HB)

Common mistakes

  • ×Forgetting to deduct income tax/NI — the taper uses NET earnings
  • ×Including Child Benefit as 'income' (it's separate)
  • ×Missing the work allowance when you have kids or LCWRA
  • ×Assuming savings don't matter — UC stops at £16,000 in capital

Frequently asked questions

Will I get UC if I have savings?▾

You get nothing if your household has over £16,000 in capital. Between £6,000 and £16,000, every £250 above £6,000 reduces your UC by £4.35/month.

How long does the first UC payment take?▾

Usually 5 weeks from claim. You can request an Advance Payment which is then deducted from future awards.

Does Child Benefit affect UC?▾

No. Child Benefit is separate and isn't counted as income for UC.

Can I work and claim UC?▾

Yes — UC is designed to support people in work too. The taper means you're always better off working more.

What is the benefit cap?▾

For couples and lone parents in 2026/27, the annual cap is £22,020 outside Greater London and £25,323 in Greater London, unless an exemption applies.

Are migration notices for legacy benefits compulsory?▾

Yes — once you receive a migration notice you must claim UC by the deadline or lose your legacy benefits with no transitional protection.

Related calculators

PIP Eligibility Checker →Housing Benefit / LHA Checker →Council Tax Reduction Checker →Tax Credits Migration Checker →Carer's Allowance Checker →Take-Home Pay Calculator →