The Universal Credit standard allowance will rise above inflation from April 13 – but not everyone will get this increase from this date
Millions of people claiming Universal Credit will have to wait longer to receive increased payments – despite rates going up in April.
The Universal Credit standard allowance – which is the amount you’re entitled to before any deductions or additional elements are taken into account – will rise above inflation from April 13.
For a single claimant aged above 25, it means their monthly standard allowance will rise from £400.14 to £424.90. But as Universal Credit is paid in arrears, it means people will not notice the pay rise until June.
The higher rates will only apply to Universal Credit assessment periods that started on or after April 13. Universal Credit payments are paid a week after the last date of each assessment period -which means the new rates won’t take effect until June payments.
Your assessment period is used to calculate how much Universal Credit you get, based on earnings or deductions in this period. Universal Credit is claimed by almost eight million people in the UK.
Your eligibility for Universal Credit is based on your personal circumstances, including your age, if you live with anyone, your relationship status, income, savings, and sometimes your physical and mental health.
If you work, there is a taper rate which reduces your maximum Universal Credit payment as your earnings increase. The taper rate is 55% which means 55p is deducted from your maximum Universal Credit payment for every £1 you earn.
Some people get a “work allowance” which is a set amount you can earn before your Universal Credit is reduced. The “work allowance” is worth £411 a month if you also receive help with housing costs, and £684 a month if you don’t.
Universal Credit payment rates 2026/27
Single
- Under 25: £338.58 a month (from £316.98)
- 25 or over: £424.90 a month (from £400.14)
Couples
- Joint claimants both under 25: £528.34 a month (from £497.55)
- Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 a month (from £628.10)
Child amounts
- First child (born prior to 6 April 2017): £351.88 a month (from £339)
- First child (born on or after 6 April 2017 / second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies): £303.94 a month (from £292.81)
Limited Capability for Work
- Limited Capability for Work amount: £158.76 a month (no change)
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount (new claimants): £217.26 a month (from £423.27)
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount (pre-2026 claimant, severe conditions criteria claimant or claimant who is terminally ill): £429.80 a month (from £423.27)
Carer amount
Work allowances
- Higher work allowance (no housing amount) one or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £710 a month (from £684)
- Lower work allowance one or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £427 a month (from £411)
The full list of additional elements and redactions or deductions for Universal Credit payments can be found on GOV.UK.
