State support and coronavirus - a trade union guide (June 2020)

Chapter 4

How much do you get under Universal Credit?

[ch 4: page 30]

How much you get depends on your age and circumstances, including how much you earn.

There is a maximum amount that that you can receive under Universal Credit, made up of a standard allowance plus extra amounts for children, childcare and a range of other needs, as well as money for housing costs in some circumstances. This figure may then be reduced by deducting a proportion of any earnings or other income you receive, including income from savings, and finally the total amount may be further reduced to fit within the so-called benefit cap. This limits the total amount of support a household can receive from the state (see page 36).

Claimants’ circumstances are assessed every month and payments may change – for the whole assessment period, not just from the date any changes are reported.


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