How to use the Universal Credit calculator
- Say whether you claim on your own or as a couple, then add children, any health condition or caring, and your rent.
- Enter your household's monthly take-home pay, other income and savings.
- Read the estimated award and the breakdown, then check the full picture with an independent calculator from GOV.UK.
How Universal Credit is worked out
Maximum award = standard allowance + child amounts + disabled child additions + health (LCWRA) or LCW element + carer element + 85% of childcare costs (capped) + housing costs. Then Universal Credit = maximum − 55% × (take-home pay − work allowance) − other income − £4.35 for each £250 of savings over £6,000. The benefit cap can lower it further unless you're exempt.
2026/27 monthly amounts
| Element | Amount a month |
|---|---|
| Standard allowance, single under 25 / 25 or over | £338.58 / £424.90 |
| Standard allowance, couple both under 25 / one or both 25 or over | £528.34 / £666.97 |
| Each child (extra for a first child born before 6 April 2017) | £303.94 (+£47.94) |
| Disabled child, lower / higher | £164.79 / £514.71 |
| Health element (LCWRA), protected / new claims from 6 April 2026 | £429.80 / £217.26 |
| Limited capability for work (claims before 3 April 2017) | £158.76 |
| Carer element | £209.34 |
| Childcare, up to 85% of costs: one child / two or more | £1,071.09 / £1,836.16 |
| Work allowance, with / without help with housing | £427 / £710 |
| Benefit cap outside / inside Greater London: single, no children | £1,229.42 / £1,413.92 |
| Benefit cap outside / inside Greater London: couples or with children | £1,835 / £2,110.25 |
Worked example
A single person aged 30 renting privately for £600 a month and taking home £1,000: maximum award £424.90 + £600 = £1,024.90. With no children or health condition there's no work allowance, so 55% × £1,000 = £550 comes off, leaving £474.90 a month. A couple with two children, £800 rent and £1,500 take-home pay would get £2,074.85 − 55% × (£1,500 − £427) = £1,484.70.
Amounts checked on 7 October 2026 on GOV.UK ("Universal Credit: what you'll get", DWP benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027, benefit cap amounts, and guidance on children, health conditions and housing). An estimate, not advice; GOV.UK lists independent calculators for a full check.