Benefits Calculator
Our benefits calculator estimates your entitlement to Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits based on your income, household size, housing situation, and any disabilities or caring responsibilities. Benefits entitlements are complex, interlinked, and change with the tax year — this calculator applies the correct 2026/27 DWP rates to give you an accurate monthly estimate.
Benefits Calculator
Check which benefits you may be entitled to and how much for 2026/27.
This calculator provides estimates based on 2026/27 rates. Actual entitlement depends on individual circumstances. Use gov.uk or speak to Citizens Advice for a full assessment.
Universal Credit 2026/27
Universal Credit (UC) is the main working-age benefit, combining six legacy benefits into a single monthly payment. The maximum standard allowance for a single person aged 25 or over is £424.90 per month. Additions for children (£303.94 per child per month), housing (Local Housing Allowance for private renters), carers element (£209.34), and disability (LCWRA £429.80) top up the standard allowance based on circumstances. As earnings rise, UC is reduced by 55p for every £1 earned above the Work Allowance, ensuring work always pays. Use our Income Tax Calculator to model the effective tax position including any Child Benefit clawback, and our Childcare Calculator to model Tax-Free Childcare entitlement alongside UC childcare element.
Child Benefit 2026/27
Child benefit is paid to the main carer of a child under 16. The rate for the first child is £27.05 per week; additional children receive £17.90 per week each. If either parent earns above £60,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies. Above £80,000, the full benefit is repaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
The benefit cap limits the total amount most working-age households can receive in benefits — £2,145.93 per month in Greater London and £1,866.18 per month outside London in 2026/27. Households where someone works 16+ hours per week or receives disability benefits are exempt.
Moving to UC replaces legacy benefits (Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, JSA, and ESA). Transitional protection ensures you do not receive less than you were getting on legacy benefits at the point of migration.
Private renters on UC receive a housing element capped at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for their area and bedroom entitlement. LHA rates are set at the 30th percentile of local rents. If your actual rent exceeds the LHA, you must fund the difference from other income.
The Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element (£429.80/month) is added to UC for claimants assessed as having limited capability for work due to health conditions. A Work Capability Assessment is required.
Yes — self-employed people can claim UC. However, a Minimum Income Floor applies after 12 months, calculated as if you earn the National Living Wage for your contracted hours. This significantly limits UC for established self-employed workers with low profits.
Select your household type and work through each section methodically. Universal Credit is calculated on a household basis for couples. Income from employment is entered as net monthly earnings after tax and NI — the UC taper applies to this figure. Capital above £6,000 reduces Universal Credit by £1 per week for every £250 of capital above the threshold; capital above £16,000 disqualifies entirely. The housing element reflects your rent up to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) limit for your area and household size. Childcare costs up to the eligible amount (up to £1,014.63 per month for one child, £1,739.37 for two or more) are covered at 85%. Use this estimate to plan finances before claiming — your actual UC award is calculated by DWP based on your specific circumstances.
Important Information
This calculator is provided for general information and planning purposes only. It does not constitute financial or tax advice and should not be relied upon as such. Figures are indicative estimates based on simplified, publicly available criteria and stated assumptions. Actual results depend on your full circumstances. See our Disclaimer for further information.