The Habitual Residence Test (HRT) applies to Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, JSA, and Pension Credit. Who passes, who fails, and how returning UK nationals and EEA nationals are assessed.
Who can still claim Housing Benefit in 2026/27, how Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates work, bedroom entitlement rules, and how the benefit cap affects your award.
LHA is set at the 30th percentile of local rents per bedroom category. How BRMAs, bedroom entitlement and regional LHA rates work in 2026/27, with London vs Manchester examples.
The 2026/27 benefit cap limits total UC and other benefits to £26,677/yr (family, outside London). Find out if you're affected and how to reduce your cap.
How universal credit side hustle income affects your payments in 2026/27 — the 55p taper rate, work allowances, and what to report.
How the Universal Credit work allowance and 55p taper work in 2026/27, who qualifies, and how earnings, tax and National Insurance interact for working claimants.
The UC taper means you keep 45p of every extra pound you earn above your work allowance. Understanding this is key to making work pay.
The benefit cap limits total household benefits to GBP 442.31/week outside London for couples and lone parents, GBP 296.35 for single claimants. Key exemptions include work and PIP.
DWP is moving Working Tax Credit claimants to Universal Credit. Transitional protection tops up your UC to match your legacy benefit level. Miss the deadline and WTC stops immediately.
How the Help to Save account works: who qualifies, how to open one, the 50% government bonus after 2 and 4 years, and the impact on Universal Credit savings rules.
Working Tax Credit is closed to new claims. If you receive a Migration Notice from DWP, you must claim Universal Credit or lose your benefits permanently. This guide explains the key differences, the taper rate, the Minimum Income Floor and what to do.
How much Universal Credit could you get in 2026? We explain the standard allowance, the extra elements, the work allowance and how the 55% taper reduces your award as your earnings rise.
