Maximum Universal Credit
The first step to working out how much Universal Credit you are entitled to is to work out the maximum you could get.
Your claiming household’s maximum Universal Credit amount is calculated by adding together various Allowances and Elements. This will be made up of one Standard Allowance and any additional Elements that apply to you and your household (for example, for housing costs or children).
It is worth checking that the DWP have included all the Elements that you are entitled to, as mistakes are made.
We have listed below the Allowance and various Elements that are available.
IMPORTANT: If you feel that an Element that you are entitled to is missing from your Universal Credit assessment contact your Work Coach and/or a Benefits Adviser for help.
The Different Elements
Standard Allowance
For you (and your partner if you are a couple)
See For You for more information.
Housing Costs Element
If you and/or your partner pay rent and/or service charges
See You and Your Rent for more information.
Child Element
If you are responsible for a child or young person who lives with you
See If you have children for more information.
Disabled Child Element
If you are responsible for a child who is getting Disability Living Allowance / Child Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment / Adult Disability Payment
See If you have children for more information.
Childcare Costs Element
If you (or your partner) pay childcare costs to enable you (or them) to work
See Help with childcare costs for more information.
Limited Capability for Work Related Activity Element
If you (or your partner) have been found to have a Limited Capability for Work Related Activity, are getting New-Style ESA and are in the Support Group, or were previously getting Income-Related ESA in the Support Group when you made your claim for Universal Credit.
See If you have a health problem that affects your ability to work for more information.
or Limited Capability for Work Element
This no longer exists for new claims, but some people who were sick before 3 April 2017 get this.
See If you have a health problem that affects your ability to work for more information.
Carer Element
If you (or your partner) are caring for a severely disabled person 35 hours or more a week (it doesn’t matter if you/your partner are in work, or how much you/your partner earn – you may still be entitled)
See If you are a carer for more information.
Transitional SDP Element
Can be included if you were getting a Severe Disability Premium in an award of Income-Related ESA, Income Support or Income-Based JSA before claiming UC. Strict rules apply.
See Transitional SDP Element for more information
Migration Transitional Element
Can be included if you were getting Income-Related ESA, Income Support, Income-Based JSA, Housing Benefit and/or Tax Credits before you claimed Universal Credit and you claimed because you received a managed migration notice.
Why not take a look at this video…