How Much UC?
How much Universal Credit you get depends on your personal circumstances, income and savings/capital.
Your Universal Credit is a single payment. It is assessed every month, at the end of your Assessment Period.
As your income and circumstances change, so will the amount of your Universal Credit award.
Your Personal Circumstances
At the end of your Assessment period the DWP will look at your personal circumstances and work our your ‘Maximum UC award’.
Income and Capital/Savings
Earnings from employment or self-employment, other income and capital/savings over £6,000 can affect your UC award.
The Benefit Cap
Some people are affected by the Benefit Cap. If they are, their UC award will be reduced.
Deductions
Some people can have various deductions taken from their UC award, reducing how much they receive.
How the UC Assessment Works
There are various steps the DWP must complete when working out your UC award.
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If you have children
Your ‘Maximum UC Amount’ will include a Child Element for every child/young person you are responsible for. It could also include a Disabled Child Element and/or Childcare Costs Element.
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If you have health issues
If you have health issues that limit your capability for work then you may be entitled to more UC.
If you rent and get PIP, then this can increase the amount of help you receive with your rent.
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If you are a carer
If you spend 35 hours or more looking after a severely disabled person then you may be entitled to the Carer Element.
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If you pay rent
If you are liable to pay rent for the home where you live, then your award should include a Housing Costs Element.
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If you are working
Your earnings may affect the amount of UC awarded.
Special rules apply to those with self-employed earnings.
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How other income/savings affect the award
Other income from benefits / pensions, and savings/capital over £6,000 can affect the amount of UC awarded.
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The Benefit Cap
There is a limit to the amount of ‘total welfare’ some claimants can receive. Those affected will have their UC award reduced.
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Deductions
Various deductions can be taken from your award before it is paid to you: recovery of Advance Payments, overpayments and other debts.