Universal Credit Calculator
Estimate your Universal Credit entitlement including standard allowance, child element, housing and earnings taper.
Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Universal Credit payment amounts
Estimated Monthly Universal Credit
£1,200.14
£14,401.68/year
| Maximum UC entitlement | £1,200.14 |
| (includes housing element) | £800.00 |
| UC Payment | £1,200.14 |
This is a simplified estimate. Actual UC depends on your full circumstances including savings, disability, caring responsibilities and local housing allowance rates.
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
How It Works
Universal Credit (UC) is calculated by adding a standard allowance (based on age and relationship status) plus additional elements for children, housing costs, caring responsibilities and disability. Your payment is then reduced based on your earnings through a taper rate of 55%.
The work allowance lets you earn a set amount before the taper applies: £404/month if your UC includes no housing element, or £673/month if it does not include housing. For every £1 you earn above the work allowance, your UC is reduced by 55p.
This calculator estimates your UC entitlement based on your household composition, income, housing costs and circumstances. Actual entitlements depend on a full assessment by the DWP and may differ from estimates.
Example: Single parent, 1 child, earning £1,200/month, £700 rent
- Standard allowance (single, 25+): £393.45
- Child element (first child): £333.33
- Housing element: £700.00
- Total entitlement before taper: £1,426.78
- Earnings above work allowance: £1,200 − £404 = £796
- Taper reduction: £796 × 55% = −£437.80
- Estimated UC payment: £988.98/month
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for Universal Credit?
- You may be eligible for Universal Credit if you are on a low income or out of work, aged 18 or over (some exceptions for 16-17), under State Pension age, living in England, Scotland or Wales, and have savings under £16,000.
- How is Universal Credit calculated?
- Universal Credit starts with a standard allowance based on your age and circumstances. Additional elements are added for children, housing costs, caring responsibilities, and disability. Your payment is then reduced based on your earnings — for every £1 you earn above a work allowance, your UC is reduced by 55p.