Universal Credit payments


UC is usually paid monthly (except in full service areas in Scotland, where there is an option to be paid twice a month) into a bank, building society or credit union account. Payments are made up of a standard allowance and extra amounts for people with children, those who have a disability or health condition, and those who need help paying their rent. Claimants’ circumstances are assessed every month and payments may change.


The allowances under UC are as follows:


You only get an extra amount for more than two children if you were already claiming for more than two children before 6 April 2017; you are renewing a claim for more than two children that stopped within the past six months; or other exceptions apply. You might get the extra amount if you start caring for another child, depending on when they were born and how many children you have.


Allowances for housing costs


How much you get depends on your age and circumstances and the payment can cover rent and some service charges. 


How your earnings affect what you get


If you are employed, for every £1 you earn your payment reduces by 63p. There is no limit to how many hours you can work. There are different rules for people who are self-employed (see below).


The work allowance


You can earn a certain amount before your UC is reduced if you or your partner are either responsible for a child or young person or have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work. This is called a “work allowance”. It is lower if you get help with housing costs: