Universal Credit calculator
For 2026/27, the single 25-plus standard allowance is £424.90 a month, before elements for children, rent, health or caring are added and the 55.00000000000001% earnings taper is applied, per gov.uk. This tool builds up a maximum award from those elements and then applies the taper. Only the Department for Work and Pensions decides an actual award.
How is my maximum Universal Credit worked out?
Universal Credit is built up in two stages, the DWP explains on gov.uk.
First, a standard allowance applies, set by age and by whether the claim is single or joint.
Elements are then added for children, eligible rent, limited capability for work and caring.
That combined total is what a household could get with no earnings, shown here as the maximum award figure.
How does the taper reduce my payment?
Once earnings are counted, a wage is converted to a take-home amount, and anything above the work allowance reduces the award by 55.00000000000001p in the pound, according to gov.uk.
Other counted income, such as an occupational pension, comes off pound for pound.
What remains after both deductions is the estimated monthly payment.
Because the taper is gradual rather than a cliff edge, earning more almost always leaves more money in total, even though the Universal Credit payment itself falls.
What does the worked example show?
A single parent aged over 25 with two children, £750 a month rent and £1,200 a month take-home has an estimated maximum award of about £1,783.
Earnings above the work allowance trigger the taper, taking off an estimated £402.
That leaves an estimated £1,381 a month of Universal Credit, or about £16,573 across the year, on top of the wages.
Common questions
Is this an official Universal Credit award?
No. This is an estimate to help you understand the parts of an award. Your actual Universal Credit depends on your exact circumstances, other income that may be disregarded, and checks the DWP makes. Use an official benefits calculator or your online journal for a firm figure.
How is my maximum Universal Credit worked out?
It starts with a standard allowance set by your age and whether you are single or a couple. On top of that come elements for children, for eligible rent, for limited capability for work (the health element), and for caring. Added together these give your maximum award before any earnings are counted.
How does the taper reduce my payment?
Once your net earnings pass your work allowance, Universal Credit falls by 55p for every extra £1 you earn. The work allowance for 2026/27 is £710 a month if your award has no housing element, or £427 a month if it does. You only get a work allowance if you have children or limited capability for work.
What is the health element and why are there two rates?
The health element (LCWRA) is paid when a work capability assessment finds you have limited capability for work and work-related activity. From April 2026 most new claims get a lower rate, while people already getting it before that date, the terminally ill, and those with severe lifelong conditions keep a protected higher rate.
Does the two-child limit still apply?
The two-child limit is being removed from April 2026, so a child element can be paid for each child. This is a recent change, so if your award still shows the old rule, check your journal and an up-to-date official calculator.
What counts as other income?
Some income reduces Universal Credit pound for pound, such as certain other benefits and occupational pensions. Many things are ignored, including Personal Independence Payment, Child Benefit and wages (which go through the taper instead). Put only income that is counted in the other income box.
What does the worked example show?
A single parent aged over 25 with two children, £750 a month rent and £1,200 a month take-home has an estimated maximum award of about £1,783. Earnings above the work allowance trigger the taper, taking off an estimated £402. That leaves an estimated £1,381 a month of Universal Credit, or about £16,573 across the year. The Department for Work and Pensions decides an actual award, so this figure is a guide only.
Sources & Rate Verification
Rates verified against official statutory guidance on 6 September 2026.