How Much Universal Credit Will I Get? A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how much Universal Credit you’ll receive can be confusing, as various factors affect the final amount. However, you can get a general idea by following these five key steps.

1. Look Up Your Standard Amount

Your standard amount is the base rate of Universal Credit you receive each month. This depends on:

• Your age

• Whether you live with a partner

If you live with a partner, you will make a joint claim and receive one shared payment for both of you.

2. Work Out What Extra Amounts You Can Get (Elements)

On top of your standard amount, you may qualify for additional 'elements' depending on your circumstances. These extra amounts are added to your Universal Credit payment if you meet the criteria. Some of the most common elements include:

• Housing Element – Helps with rent or mortgage interest payments

• Child Element – Additional support if you have children

• Childcare Element – Covers up to 85% of childcare costs if you work

• Limited Capability for Work – Extra support if you have a health condition preventing you from working and doing work related activities 

• Carers Element - This element is £198.31 per month. You can get this element if you are providing care for at least 35 hours per week for someone who gets a qualifying element of the disability benefits.

3. Check If Your Income or Savings Affect Your Payments

Universal Credit payments are reduced if you have:

• Earnings from work – A portion of what you earn will be deducted from your Universal Credit, the amount would depend on whether you have a work allowance or not. For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-your-wages-affect-your-payments

• Savings over £6,000 – If you or your partner have savings above this, your payment will decrease

• Other income – This includes pensions, certain benefits, or rental income

If you live with a partner, their income and savings will also be considered in your claim.

4. Check If You’re Affected by the Benefit Cap

The Benefit Cap limits the total amount of benefits you can receive. If your Universal Credit payment is over this limit, the DWP will reduce your payment to bring it within the cap.

The cap amount varies depending on where you live and your household situation. You can check if you are affected by using the Government's Benefit Cap Calculator.

5. Take Off Sanctions or Other Reductions

Your Universal Credit payment might be reduced due to:

• Advance payments or budgeting advances – If you received an advance, repayments will be deducted from your monthly payments

• Sanctions – If you fail to meet your work-related responsibilities, the DWP may reduce your payments

• Overpayments – If you've been paid too much Universal Credit in the past, the DWP will take money back

• Child maintenance deductions – If you owe child maintenance payments, these may be taken from your Universal Credit

Final Thoughts

While these steps give you a general estimate, the exact amount you’ll receive depends on your individual circumstances. You can use a benefits calculator like Turn2Us or EntitledTo for a more detailed breakdown of your potential Universal Credit entitlement.

If you need further guidance or believe your Universal Credit amount is incorrect, Citizens Advice is here to help! Reach out to us for personalised support.