Before you use our universal credit calculator, it’s important to note that we do not collect or store any personal information you enter.
The results you are given are based on the maximum universal credit you may be entitled to and may differ from your actual award.
The calculator has been updated to reflect the increase in universal credit benefits from April 2023. You can read more about the universal credit increase here.
What Universal Credit Elements do We Calculate?
Our benefits calculator works out the six main components that make up your universal credit award. There may be some elements that you are entitled to and are not included in the results.
Standard Allowance
The standard allowance is usually a fixed award that is the same for anybody entitled to universal credit. The standard allowance covers single claims and couples who live together. The rates payable will differ depending on your age.
Child Element
The child element of universal credit awards a fixed rate, dependent on when they were born, which can limit the number of children you can claim for.
There were no previous restrictions on the number of children you could claim for before April 2017. However, if you already claim for two or more children before April 2017, you may no longer claim for any other children born after this date.
Childcare Element
You may be entitled to childcare if you meet the qualifying conditions.
Universal credit can award up to 85% of the childcare cost with a limit of £646.35 per month for one child or £1108.04 per month for two or more children.
When you enter your childcare cost in the universal credit calculator, the results will show only what you are entitled to, for example, if your childcare costs exceed the maximum award amounts.
Disability Elements
We do not ask you for specifics about your disability or health conditions. The award amounts may differ from your actual award amount given by gov.uk.
Different factors will affect how much you may receive from universal credit, and our calculator will give you the most accurate award possible.
Carers Allowance
To claim carer’s allowance, you must spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone who receives disability benefits.
You need to consider a few things when applying for carers allowance. You can only claim for one person regardless of your circumstances.
There are more limitations on claiming carers allowance that is not included in the universal credit calculator.
Your employment status, your age, and if you are full or part time eduction.
Housing Allowance
Housing allowance awards will vary depending on where you live and how many people live with you.
The results you get from the calculator may differ from your actual housing allowance ward.
There are many factors to consider when it comes down to estimating your award amount.
The results will show your maximum award amount for rent only; it does not cover service charges. However, you may be entitled to additional help with service charges.
How Deductions Are Calculated
Any deductions on your universal credit claim will derive from your current savings and monthly earned income. This will include things like salaries, pensions, and other benefits.
Work Allowance Calculation
From April 2023, there are three types of work allowance that you can earn before your benefits are affected these are:
Higher work allowance: (£631.00 per month)
Lower work allowance: (£379.00 per month)
No work allowance: (£0 per month)
Your entitlement is reduced by £0.55 for every £1 you earn over these amounts.
Savings Deductions
We calculate any savings deductions in our universal credit calculator. It’s important to note that if you have savings of more than £16,000, you will not be entitled to universal credit.
If you have savings of less than £16,000 but more than £6,000, your deductions can be:
For every £250 over £6,000 – £4.35 will be deducted from your monthly award amount.
Any savings less than £6,000 will not be considered when working out your claim, but you still need to report it.
Your Universal Credit Calculator Results
If you have received an invitation to transition over to universal credit from any other legacy benefit, then you may be entitled to a ‘transitional amount’ that will top up your award to the same amount you were previously awarded on legacy benefits.
Important note: If you make changes to your claim after transferring to UC you will lose the transitional amount that tops up your claim.
Suggestions on Our Universal Credit Calculator
We would love to hear any comments or suggestions on how we can improve our universal credit calculator.
You can either use the contact us page or email support@universalcredit.co.uk. Please start your message with UC Calculator.
You can share our calculator with the link below if you find it useful.
https://www.universalcredit.co.uk/calculator/