Universal Credit Rates 2026/27: How Much You Get and Who Can Claim
A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work or unable to work. The current rate is from £338.58 to £666.97 a month standard allowance.
Standard allowance (one for your household)
| Your situation | Monthly standard allowance |
|---|---|
| Single and under 25 | £338.58 |
| Single and 25 or over | £424.90 |
| Couple, both under 25 (for you both) | £528.34 |
| Couple, either 25 or over (for you both) | £666.97 |
Extra amounts for children
| Extra amount | A month |
|---|---|
| Each child living with you | £303.94 |
| Extra for a first child born before 6 April 2017 | £47.94 |
| Disabled child: lower amount | £164.79 |
| Disabled child: higher amount | £514.71 |
How to claim Universal Credit on GOV.UK
Who can claim Universal Credit
- You live in the UK and are 18 or over (some exceptions at 16 to 17).
- You are under State Pension age.
- You have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.
- Couples make a joint claim, even if one partner is not eligible.
Key facts
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Savings limit | You must have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments to claim. |
| Work allowance | You can earn up to £427 a month (if you get help with housing costs) or £710 a month (if not) before your payment starts to fall, if you have a child or a health condition that limits your work. |
| Earnings reduction | For every £1 you earn from working, your Universal Credit goes down by 55p. |
| Childcare | You can claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs if you are working. |
How to claim and how you are paid
Claim online on GOV.UK. It is paid monthly (twice a month for some people in Scotland). It is replacing Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and you may receive a letter called a Migration Notice telling you to move over.
Check what else you could be owed
You may be able to claim other help alongside Universal Credit. GOV.UK has a free benefits calculator that works out what you could get, and our benefit rates for 2026/27 page lists every main rate. See also the childcare help calculator and the Child Benefit charge calculator.
Source: GOV.UK: Universal Credit, what you'll get, rates from April 2026. Rates and rules can differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where some benefits are devolved. This is general information, not advice about your own claim. Read how we check our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Universal Credit in 2026/27?
The monthly standard allowance is £424.90 for a single person aged 25 or over, £338.58 if you are single and under 25, and £666.97 for a couple where either of you is 25 or over (£528.34 if both are under 25). Extra amounts are added for children, disabilities, housing and caring.
How much can I earn on Universal Credit?
There is no limit on hours or earnings, but your payment falls by 55p for each £1 you earn above your work allowance (if you have one). The work allowance is £427 a month with housing help or £710 without.
How much savings can I have on Universal Credit?
You can claim if you have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.
Is Universal Credit paid weekly?
No. It is paid monthly, or twice a month for some people in Scotland.
How do I claim Universal Credit?
Claim online on GOV.UK. It is paid monthly (twice a month for some people in Scotland). It is replacing Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and you may receive a letter called a Migration Notice telling you to move over.
Figures from official sources, checked 2026-10-08. How we check our figures · About UK Answers · Report a mistake
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.