The amount of universal credit you are paid depends on your circumstances. It is worked out by comparing your basic financial needs with your financial resources for each monthly ‘assessment period’ (see below ). If you are single, only your needs and resources are relevant. If you are claiming jointly with your partner, the needs and resources of both of you are relevant.

Set amounts for different financial needs are added together to arrive at a figure called your ‘maximum amount’ (see 2 below ). This is the basic amount the law says you need to live on each month. From this figure amounts are deducted for any earnings (some of which may be disregarded using a ‘work allowance’ – see 9 below ) and other income you receive over the assessment period. The resulting amount will be your universal credit (rounded up or down to the nearest 1p, where necessary). The calculation is as follows:

Step 1: Work out your maximum amount – See 2 below .