Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook 2020/21Part 2: Universal creditChapter 5: The maximum amount 2. The standard allowance
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2. The standard allowance
A standard allowance is always included in your universal credit (UC) maximum amount. The amount depends on your age and whether you are claiming as a single person or making a joint claim with your partner (see here).1Reg 36 UC Regs See here for who counts as a couple, including when one of you is temporarily absent.
If you are making a joint claim with your partner and your partner dies, see here.
Note: if one member of a couple does not satisfy the rules of entitlement for UC, the other partner may be able to claim as a single person (see here). In this case, the standard allowance for a single claimant applies.
Rates of standard allowance
Single claimant
per month
Under 25
£342.72
25 or over
£409.89
Joint claimants
Both under 25
£488.59
One or both 25 or over
£594.04
 
1     Reg 36 UC Regs »
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