Key UK Benefits
Universal Credit
Main means-tested benefit replacing 6 legacy benefits
Up to £393/month (single, 25+)Personal Independence Payment
Help with daily living and mobility costs due to disability
Up to £737/monthChild Benefit
Payment for each child you're responsible for
£26.05/week (first child)Housing Benefit / UC Housing
Help with rent if on low income or benefits
Up to full rent (LHA rates)Council Tax Support
Help paying Council Tax if on low income
Up to 100% reductionJobseeker's Allowance
Support while looking for work
Up to £90.50/weekUniversal Credit Elements 2025/26
UC is made up of different elements depending on your circumstances. Your total UC is calculated by adding relevant elements, then reducing based on any earnings or other income.
| Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard Allowance (single, 25+) | £393.45/month |
| Standard Allowance (couple, both 25+) | £617.60/month |
| Child Element (first child) | £333.33/month |
| Child Element (second+ child) | £287.92/month |
| Housing Element | Up to full rent (LHA) |
| Childcare Element | Up to 85% of costs |
| Limited Capability for Work | £416.19/month |
| Carer Element | £198.31/month |
Working While on Benefits
The UC Taper
When you earn money, your UC is reduced by 55p for every £1 earned over your work allowance. This means you always keep at least 45p of every pound you earn.
Example Calculation
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP helps with extra costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. Unlike UC, PIP is not means-tested - you can receive it regardless of income or savings.
Daily Living Component
Mobility Component
Key point: PIP continues when you work and doesn't affect other benefits negatively. In fact, receiving PIP can increase your UC and exempt you from the benefit cap.
Related Calculators
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculate Your Entitlement
Use our calculators to understand your potential benefit entitlement and how working affects your income.