Universal Credit Rates 2026
Standard allowances, additional elements, work allowances and the taper rate — all figures from the DWP uprating that took effect in April 2026.
Standard Allowances
Monthly standard allowance — by household type
From April 2026| Claimant type | Monthly | Weekly equiv. |
|---|---|---|
| Single, under 25 | £316.98 | £73.15 |
| Single, 25 or over | £400.14 | £92.34 |
| Couple, both under 25 | £497.55 | £114.82 |
| Couple, one or both 25 or over | £628.10 | £144.95 |
Child Elements
Child element — monthly additions
From April 2026| Child / element | Monthly |
|---|---|
| First child born before 6 April 2017 | £333.33 |
|
First child born on or after 6 April 2017
Applies to new claims from April 2017 onwards
|
£287.92 |
|
Additional qualifying children
2-child limit applies for children born on/after 6 Apr 2017
|
£287.92 |
| Disabled child — lower rate | £156.11 |
| Disabled child — higher rate (severely disabled) | £487.58 |
⚠️ Two-child limit
The UC child element is not paid for a third or subsequent child born on or after 6 April 2017, unless an exception applies (such as multiple births, adopted children, or non-consensual conception). Children born before April 2017 are not affected by this rule.Housing Element
Housing element — how it works
From April 2026| Situation | Amount |
|---|---|
| Private renters | Up to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for your area |
| Social renters (council / housing association) | Eligible rent, subject to bedroom-size criteria |
| Under-occupancy deduction ("bedroom tax") — 1 spare room | −14% |
| Under-occupancy deduction — 2 or more spare rooms | −25% |
| Owner-occupiers (mortgage interest) | Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) — separate scheme |
Disability & Health Elements
Limited capability for work elements — monthly
From April 2026| Element | Monthly |
|---|---|
|
Limited Capability for Work (LCW)
Only for claims made before April 2017
|
£156.11 |
|
Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA)
No work-related requirements apply
|
£416.19 |
| Carer element (caring 35+ hours/week for a severely disabled person) | £198.31 |
Taper Rate & Work Allowances
How the 55% taper rate works
For every £1 you earn above your work allowance, your UC reduces by 55p. You keep 45p.
Work allowances — monthly earnings threshold before taper applies
From April 2026| Claimant type | Allowance type | Monthly threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Has children or LCWRA element | Higher (no housing element in award) | £673 |
| Lower (housing element in award) | £404 | |
| No children and no LCWRA | No work allowance | £0 |
Savings & Capital Rules
How savings affect your UC award
2026 thresholds| Savings level | Effect on UC |
|---|---|
| Below £6,000 | No effect |
| £6,000 – £16,000 | £4.35/month deducted per £250 above £6,000 |
| Above £16,000 | Not eligible for UC |
Tariff income is calculated in full £250 bands. For example, savings of £7,100 fall in the band £7,001–£7,250 — the third band above £6,000 — giving a deduction of 3 × £4.35 = £13.05 per month. Your main home, personal possessions, and the value of any business assets are disregarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Universal Credit standard allowance for 2026?
From April 2026, the UC standard allowance is £400.14 per month for a single claimant aged 25 or over, and £316.98 for a single claimant under 25. For couples where one or both partners are 25 or over, the standard allowance is £628.10 per month. These figures represent a 1.7% increase from the 2025/26 rates, in line with September 2025 CPI inflation.
What is the UC taper rate in 2026?
The taper rate remains at 55%. This means for every £1 you earn above your work allowance, your UC payment reduces by 55p. The taper was cut from 63% to 55% in November 2021 and has not changed since. There is no upper earnings limit at which UC cuts off entirely — it tapers gradually until the award reaches zero.
Do I get a work allowance on Universal Credit?
A work allowance only applies if your UC award includes a child element or the LCWRA element. If neither applies, the taper begins from your first pound of earnings. The higher work allowance (£673/month) applies when you have no housing element. The lower allowance (£404/month) applies when housing costs are included in your award.
How much is the UC child element in 2026?
The child element depends on when your child was born. For a first child born before 6 April 2017, the element is £333.33 per month. For a first child born on or after that date, the rate is £287.92 per month. Additional qualifying children are paid at £287.92. The two-child limit means no child element is paid for a third or subsequent child born on or after 6 April 2017, with limited exceptions.
When are UC rates updated?
Universal Credit rates are uprated each April in line with the previous September's CPI inflation figure. The 2026/27 rates took effect on 7 April 2026, reflecting a 1.7% increase based on CPI measured in September 2025. The next uprating will take effect in April 2027.
Related Calculators & Rate Pages
Source: DWP Benefit and Pension Rates 2026 to 2027. Rates apply from April 2026. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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