Universal Credit Calculator
2026-27 Rates, Work Allowance and the 55% Taper

Add up your maximum amount — standard allowance, child amounts, childcare, housing and any health or carer amounts — then take off 55% of your take-home pay above your work allowance, a deduction for savings over £6,000 and some other benefits. In the example, the maximum is £2,684.85 and earnings reduce it by £755.15.

There's no hours limit. For every £1 of take-home pay your Universal Credit falls by 55p.

If you have children or a health condition that limits your work, the first £427 a month (with housing costs) or £710 (without) is ignored. In the example, payments stop at about £5,309 a month of take-home pay.

Monthly standard allowance: single under 25 £338.58; single 25+ £424.90; couple both under 25 £528.34; couple either 25+ £666.97. Each child £303.94.

Health amounts £217.26 or £429.80; carer's amount £209.34. Childcare up to 85% of costs, capped at £1,071.09 for one child and £1,836.16 for two or more.

Yes. Savings up to £6,000 don't count.

Between £6,000 and £16,000, your payment falls by £4.35 a month for every £250 (or part of £250). Above £16,000 you can't usually get Universal Credit.

Housing support is limited by the Local Housing Allowance for your area if you rent privately, the benefit cap can limit total benefits, advances and debts are deducted, and payments are worked out on each monthly assessment period — so a month with two paydays gives a lower payment. Use the official benefits calculators or your online account for the exact figure.