What is the Universal Credit standard allowance in 2026?
Links marked * are commercial or go to our partner sites, which share our operator. Third-party companies may pay us commission. How we make money.
In short: The monthly standard allowance depends on age and whether you claim as a single person or couple — typically around £300–£470 a month per household before housing and other elements. Exact rates change each April.
Content updated:
On top of the standard allowance you may receive housing element, child element, carer element, and limited capability for work additions.
Earnings taper and capital rules can reduce the total paid. Savings over £6,000 gradually reduce entitlement.
Check gov.uk for the current year's rates and use our Universal Credit calculator.
Primary source: gov.uk/universal-credit/how-much-youll-get
Part of our Benefits & tax
This quick answer sits inside our wider benefits & tax hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full benefits & tax guide →