Overview

• Universal Credit pays a standard allowance of £316.98–£628.10 per month, with means-tested add-ons that are not automatic, require notifying the DWP, and can be reduced by deductions or sanctions; add-ons include housing, carer, child, childcare and disability elements.
• Carer’s Element provides £201.68 per month for at least 35 hours of care where the cared-for person gets a qualifying benefit, with a warning that it can remove that person’s Severe Disability Premium.
• Child support pays £339 for a first child born before 6 April 2017 or £292.81 per eligible child otherwise, subject to the two‑child limit, with disability top‑ups of £158.76 (lower rate) or £495.87 (higher rate).
• Childcare help reimburses up to 85% of costs, capped monthly at £1,031.88 for one child or £1,768.94 for two or more, paid in arrears after parents pay registered providers upfront.
• The health-related element can add up to £423.27 following a Work Capability Assessment, typically appears after three assessment periods unless the claimant is terminally ill, and assessments are restricted for earnings above £846.56 per month unless certain disability benefits are in place.