Universal Credit standard allowances for 2026/27, the 55p earnings taper, work allowances, childcare costs, and how UC compares to the legacy benefits it replaces — including who gains and who loses.
How Universal Credit earnings taper works in 2026/27: 55p in every £1 above your work allowance, £673/£404 thresholds, childcare element, benefit cap and two-child limit.
Billions in benefits go unclaimed every year in the UK. This guide covers who qualifies for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Tax-Free Childcare and council tax support.
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit are being replaced by Universal Credit. Who can still claim legacy benefits in 2026, managed migration deadlines, and what you'd get on UC instead.
Most UK benefits uprate in April, but some change in September/November. When Universal Credit changes, what triggers uprating, and the full 2026/27 rates guide.
Universal Credit reduces by 55p for every £1 you earn above your work allowance. Here's the full 2026/27 taper maths, worked examples for different family types, and the benefits trap explained.
