Universal Credit Calculator
Estimate your monthly Universal Credit for 2026/27 — standard allowance, child and childcare elements, LCWRA, carer and housing elements, minus the 55% earnings taper and savings deductions.
Your Household (2026/27 rates)
Children you're responsible for. The two-child limit was abolished from 6 April 2026 — every child now counts.
Children getting DLA or PIP (£164.79/month each).
Children getting the DLA highest care rate, PIP enhanced daily living, or registered blind (£514.71/month each).
Registered childcare you pay for while working — UC covers 85%, up to £1,071.09 (one child) or £1,836.16 (two or more).
Your eligible rent. Private renters: capped at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for your area and household size — check yours on gov.uk.
Take-home pay after tax, National Insurance and pension contributions, for you and your partner combined.
Over £16,000 means no Universal Credit. Between £6,000 and £16,000 reduces the award by £4.35/month per £250 above £6,000.
2026/27 rates (from 6 April 2026). This is an estimate, not a benefit decision — use a full benefits check or your UC journal for an exact figure.
Results
Estimated Universal Credit
Per monthly assessment period — an estimate only
Maximum UC
All elements before deductions
Deductions
Earnings taper plus tariff income
How we got there
Not modelled: unearned income (e.g. other benefits or pensions, deducted £1 for £1), deductions for advances or debts, transitional protection, and sanctions. Your actual award is decided by DWP from your assessment-period data.
Guide & Information
Overview
Make informed financial decisions with our Universal Credit Calculator designed for United Kingdom residents.
💡 Tips
- •Compare different scenarios before deciding
- •Factor in all costs, not just the obvious ones
- •Review calculations periodically as rates change
Why Use This Universal Credit Calculator
Proper financial planning is crucial for achieving your long-term goals.
Regulations: Complies with current United Kingdom regulations.
- • Loan amount: £100,000
- • Interest rates vary by institution
- • Terms typically range from 12-360 months
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this Universal Credit Calculator?
Our calculator uses standard financial formulas and current market rates for United Kingdom to provide accurate estimates.
What factors affect my calculation?
Key factors include principal amount, interest rates, time period, and any specific regulations in United Kingdom.
Should I consult a financial advisor?
While this calculator provides accurate estimates, complex financial decisions benefit from professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is Universal Credit worked out in 2026/27?
DWP adds up your maximum Universal Credit — a standard allowance (£424.90/month for a single person 25 or over, £666.97 for a couple where either is 25+) plus elements for children, childcare, limited capability for work, caring and housing — then deducts 55p for every £1 of take-home pay above any work allowance, £4.35/month for each £250 of savings above £6,000, and unearned income pound for pound. This calculator follows the same steps using the rates that apply from 6 April 2026.
Has the two-child limit really been abolished?
Yes. The removal was announced at the Autumn Budget 2025 and the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Act received Royal Assent on 18 March 2026. From 6 April 2026 the child element — £303.94 a month per child in 2026/27, or £351.88 for a first child born before 6 April 2017 — is paid for every child on all new and existing awards, with no cap at two.
How much of my childcare costs does Universal Credit cover?
If you (and any partner) are in paid work, Universal Credit pays back 85% of registered childcare costs, up to £1,071.09 a month for one child or £1,836.16 for two or more children (2026/27). You usually pay first and report the costs in your journal, although upfront help is available through the Flexible Support Fund.
How do savings affect Universal Credit?
Savings and capital of £6,000 or less are ignored. Between £6,000 and £16,000, every £250 (or part of £250) above £6,000 is treated as £4.35 of monthly income — so £8,100 in savings reduces your award by £39.15 a month. Over £16,000 you are not entitled to Universal Credit at all (some compensation payments and, for 12 months, money from selling your home are disregarded).
What is the work allowance and who gets one?
A work allowance is the amount you can earn before the 55% taper starts. In 2026/27 it is £710 a month if your award has no housing element, or £427 if it does. You only get one if you are responsible for a child or have limited capability for work — otherwise your Universal Credit is reduced by 55p for every £1 of net earnings from the first pound.
Why did the LCWRA element change in April 2026?
Under the Universal Credit Act 2025, the LCWRA element for most people whose claims are decided from April 2026 is £217.26 a month — roughly half the previous level — while the standard allowance was raised above inflation for everyone. Existing LCWRA recipients, people meeting the severe conditions criteria and those who are terminally ill keep the higher £429.80 rate.