How is this Universal Credit payment built?
Universal Credit is not one number. It is a standard allowance, plus extras, minus earnings and deductions. This sketch uses the 2026/27 rates so you can see which line is doing the work. It is not a DWP decision.
Plain-English walkthrough: how Universal Credit is calculated. First-claim overview: what Universal Credit is. Health element amounts: UC health element.
Common questions
How is Universal Credit calculated?+
Start with the standard allowance for your household, add elements for children, housing, health and caring, then reduce it by 55p for every £1 you earn above any work allowance. Deductions such as advances come off last.
What is the Universal Credit standard allowance in 2026?+
From April 2026 a single claimant 25 or over gets £424.90 a month. Under 25 it is £338.58. Couples get £528.34 if both are under 25, or £666.97 if either is 25 or over.
Why is the health element lower for some people in 2026?+
New LCWRA awards from April 2026 are £217.26 a month. People already getting LCWRA before then, plus some severe or terminal cases, keep the higher £429.80 rate. Check GOV.UK for which group you are in.