UK Benefits Calculator applies published DWP rates and standard means-test logic from GOV.UK to estimate benefit entitlement. Calculators are designed to be fast and readable, not to replicate the full administrative complexity of official DWP systems.
Universal Credit calculations use the current standard allowance for the stated household type, add child elements, limited capability for work elements and housing cost element where indicated, then apply the UC work allowance and 55% taper rate to earned income above the allowance threshold. Calculations use 2026/27 UC rates as published by DWP.
Child Benefit calculations apply the current weekly rates (£27.05 for the eldest child, £17.90 per additional child for 2026/27) and model the High Income Child Benefit Charge on adjusted net income above £60,000. Where salary sacrifice is noted, we explain that it reduces adjusted net income and may affect the charge threshold.
Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance calculations use published LHA rates for the indicated area and bedroom entitlement. Means-testing logic follows published DWP rules for income and capital. We do not model all local authority variations in Council Tax Reduction schemes.
Pension Credit calculations apply the standard Guarantee Credit minimum amounts for single claimants and couples at 2026/27 threshold figures. We model qualifying age and basic income deductions but not all top-ups or passported benefits.
Savings tariff: where savings tariff rules apply (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction), we apply the standard £1/week assumed income per £250 of capital above £6,000, up to the £16,000 upper capital limit.
Simplifications: some interactions — the benefit cap, two-child limit, deductions for debt repayment or advance payments, and variable local authority CTR schemes — are noted but not fully modelled. For these cases we recommend checking with a benefits adviser or using an official calculator such as Entitledto or Turn2us.
All rates are reviewed following the DWP April uprating announcement and updated before the new tax year.