Means-tested benefit rates 2021/22
Universal credit
Standard allowance | | £pm |
Note: these amounts may reduce from October 2021. Check for updates. | | |
Single | Under 25 | 344.00 |
| 25 or over | 411.51 |
Couple | Both under 25 | 490.60 |
| One or both 25 or over | 596.58 |
Elements | | |
First child (if born before 6 April 2017) | | 282.50 |
First child (if born on or after 6 April 2017), second child and each subsequent child who qualifies | | 237.08 |
Disabled child addition | Lower rate | 128.89 |
| Higher rate | 402.41 |
Limited capability for work (some claims only) | | 128.89 |
Limited capability for work-related activity | | 343.63 |
Carer | | 163.73 |
Childcare costs | One child | up to 646.35 |
| Two or more children | up to 1,108.04 |
| Percentage covered | 85% |
Capital limits | Lower | Upper |
| 6,000 | 16,000 |
Tariff income: £4.35 per £250 between lower and upper limits | | |
Other means-tested benefit rates 2021/22
Income support/income-based jobseeker’s allowance | | |
Personal allowances | | £pw |
Single | Under 25 | 59.20 |
| 25 or over | 74.70 |
Lone parent | Under 18 | 59.20 |
| 18 or over | 74.70 |
Couple | Both under 18 (maximum) | 59.20 |
| One 18 or over (maximum) | 117.40 |
| Both 18 or over | 117.40 |
Premiums | | |
Carer | | 37.70 |
Disability | Single | 35.10 |
| Couple | 50.05 |
Enhanced disability | Single | 17.20 |
| Couple | 24.60 |
Severe disability | One qualifies | 67.30 |
| Two qualify | 134.60 |
Income-related employment and support allowance | | |
| Assessment phase | Main phase |
Personal allowances | | |
Single: Under 25 | 59.20 | 74.70 |
Single: 25 or over | 74.70 | 74.70 |
Lone parent: under 18 | 59.20 | 74.70 |
Lone parent: 18 or over | 74.70 | 74.70 |
Couple: one or both under 18 | 59.20–117.40 | 74.70–117.40 |
Couple: both 18 or over | 117.40 | 117.40 |
Components | | |
Work-related activity | – | 29.70 |
Support | – | 39.40 |
Premiums | | |
Carer | 37.70 | 37.70 |
Severe disability (one qualifies) | 67.30 | 67.30 |
Severe disability (two qualify) | 134.60 | 134.60 |
Enhanced disability: single | 17.20 | 17.20 |
Enhanced disability: couple | 24.60 | 24.60 |
Pensioner | | – |
Pensioner: couple, no component | 152.90 | – |
Pensioner: couple, work-related activity component | – | 123.20 |
Pensioner: couple, support component | – | 113.50 |
Housing benefit | | |
Personal allowances | | |
Single | Under 25 | 59.20 |
| Under 25 (on main phase ESA) | 74.70 |
| 25 or over | 74.70 |
Lone parent | Under 18 | 59.20 |
| Under 18 (on main phase ESA) | 74.70 |
| 18 or over | 74.70 |
Couple | Both under 18 | 89.45 |
| Both under 18 (claimant on main phase ESA) | 117.40 |
| One or both 18 or over | 117.40 |
Dependent children | Under 20 | 68.60 |
Pension age (and claimant/partner not on IS, income-based JSA, income-related ESA or UC) | Single (reached pension age before 1 April 2021) | 191.15 |
| Single (reached pension age on or after 1 April 2021) | 177.10 |
| Couple (one or both reached pension age before 1 April 2021) | 286.05 |
| Couple (both reached pension age on or after 1 April 2021) | 270.30 |
Components | | |
Work-related activity | – | 29.70 |
Support | – | 39.40 |
Premiums | | |
Carer | | 37.70 |
Disability | Single | 35.10 |
| Couple | 50.05 |
Disabled child | | 65.94 |
Enhanced disability | Single | 17.20 |
| Couple | 24.60 |
| Child | 26.67 |
Severe disability | One qualifies | 67.30 |
| Two qualify | 134.60 |
Family | Ordinary rate | 17.65 |
| Some lone parents | 22.20 |
| | |
Tariff income: £1 per £250 between lower and upper limits; £1 per £500 for those over pension age No upper limit or tariff income for those on pension credit guarantee credit | | |
Scotland-only payments | | |
Best Start grant | | |
Pregnancy and baby payment (lump sum) | | |
| First child | 606.00 |
| Any subsequent child | 303.00 |
Early learning payment (lump sum) | | 252.50 |
School-age payment (lump sum) | | 252.50 |
Child winter heating assistance (lump sum) | | 202.00 |
Scottish child payment | | 10.00 |