How much is the Universal Credit standard allowance in 2026/27?

Full answer

Universal Credit is built from a standard allowance -- the base monthly amount everyone on the benefit receives -- plus additional elements for children, housing, disability, or caring responsibilities on top. For 2026/27, the standard allowance depends on whether the claimant is single or in a couple, and their age. A single claimant under 25 receives £338.58 a month, rising to £424.90 a month once they turn 25. A couple where both partners are under 25 receives £528.34 a month between them, rising to £666.97 a month if either partner is 25 or over. These figures are uprated annually, usually each April, in line with the previous September's CPI inflation figure. The standard allowance is just the starting point of the calculation: additional elements are added for each child (higher for a first child born before 6 April 2017, lower for other children, subject to the two-child limit for children born on or after that date with some exceptions), for housing costs (covering some or all of rent, capped by the Local Housing Allowance for private renters), and for limited capability for work or caring responsibilities. The total is then reduced by the earnings taper -- 55% of net earnings above any work allowance the claimant qualifies for -- and by deductions for savings over £6,000, other income, or repayment of advances and debts. Use the Universal Credit calculator to estimate your specific award including these additional elements and deductions.

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