How Your UC Payment is Built
Think of UC like building blocks. Everyone gets a standard allowance as the base. Then you add extra "elements" depending on your circumstances - children, housing costs, disabilities, caring responsibilities, etc.
1. Standard Allowance
This is the base amount everyone on UC gets. The amount depends on your age and whether you're single or in a couple.
| Your Situation | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single, under 25 | £316.98 |
| Single, 25 or over | £400.14 |
| Couple, both under 25 | £497.55 |
| Couple, one or both 25+ | £628.10 |
2. Child Element
Extra money for each child you're responsible for. There are different rates depending on when your child was born.
| Child | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| First child (born before 6 April 2017) | £355.36 |
| First child (born on or after 6 April 2017) | £333.33 |
| Each additional child | £333.33 |
| Disabled child addition (lower rate) | £156.11 |
| Disabled child addition (higher rate) | £487.58 |
Two-Child Limit
Generally, you can only get the child element for your first two children. There are exceptions, such as for multiple births (twins, triplets) or children born as a result of non-consensual conception.
3. Housing Costs Element
Help with your rent if you're a tenant. The amount depends on your local area and the size of home you're entitled to.
Renting from a Private Landlord
UC pays up to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for your area. LHA rates vary by location and bedroom entitlement:
- • Shared accommodation rate (usually if single, under 35)
- • 1 bedroom rate
- • 2 bedroom rate
- • 3 bedroom rate
- • 4 bedroom rate (maximum)
If your rent is higher than the LHA rate, you'll need to pay the difference yourself.
Social Housing Tenant
If you rent from a council or housing association, UC usually covers your full rent. However, the "bedroom tax" may reduce this if you have spare bedrooms:
- • 1 spare bedroom: 14% reduction
- • 2 or more spare bedrooms: 25% reduction
Homeowners
UC doesn't help with mortgage payments. However, you may be able to get Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) - a separate loan from the government that helps with interest payments.
4. Limited Capability for Work Elements
Extra money if you have a health condition or disability that affects your ability to work. You'll need a "Work Capability Assessment" to qualify.
| Element | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Limited Capability for Work & Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) For people with the most severe health conditions | £416.19 |
Note
The basic "Limited Capability for Work" element (without the "work-related activity" part) was abolished for new claims from April 2017. Only the higher LCWRA rate is available for new claimants.
5. Carer Element
Carer Element
For people who care for someone at least 35 hours per week
You can get this if:
- • You care for someone at least 35 hours a week
- • The person you care for gets a qualifying disability benefit (PIP, AA, DLA, etc.)
- • You're not in full-time education
Note: Only one person in a household can get the carer element for caring for the same person.
6. Childcare Costs Element
UC can help pay for childcare if you're working (or have a job offer). This is paid on top of your other elements.
| Children | Maximum Monthly Help |
|---|---|
| 1 child | £1,014.63 |
| 2 or more children | £1,739.37 |
How It Works
- • UC covers up to 85% of your childcare costs
- • You pay upfront, then claim back through UC
- • Childcare must be with a registered provider
- • Both parents must be working (if you're a couple)
Example: How Elements Add Up
Sarah, 30, lives alone with her 2 children (ages 4 and 7). She rents privately and has a health condition.
This is the maximum before any deductions. If Sarah works, her UC would be reduced based on her earnings.
Key Points
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