This post was updated on 26 April 2024
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This information is about people who are single, childless and fit-and-well.
Universal Credit includes help with rent, unless you live in supported accommodation or a hostel or refuge
In this sort of accommodation you can claim Universal Credit for yourself and Housing Benefit for your rent.
The UC and HB systems are linked.
While you are getting Universal Credit, you automatically get Maximum Housing Benefit.
If you earn money, your Universal Credit is reduced by £0.55 for every pound that you earn, but so long as you still get some Universal Credit, you still get Maximum Housing Benefit.
If you earn too much to get Universal Credit, you get reduced Housing Benefit and you have to make a contribution to the rent.
The system is confused because Universal Credit is awarded by assessment periods of one calendar month but Housing Benefit is assessed on weekly rates.
Earnings Limits for Universal Credit
Aged 16-24
The monthly amount that you can earn and still get some Universal Credit and also Maximum HB is £566.68
In a four-pay-day month this equals £141.67 per week
In a five-pay-day month this equals £113.33 per week
Aged 25 – 65
The monthly amount that you can earn and still get some Universal Credit and also Maximum HB is £715.35
In a four-pay-day month this equals £178.83 per week
In a five-pay-day month this equals £143.07 per week
Weekly Earnings and Weekly Rent Contributions if you do not get Universal Credit
The formulae used to work out these contributions are:
Aged 16-24
You do not have to make a contribution to your rent if your weekly earning are below £76.70
If you earn more than this your rent contribution = 0.65 x (Wage minus £76.70)
Aged 25-65
You do not have to make a contribution to your rent if your weekly earning are below £95.50
If you earn more than this your rent contribution = 0.65 x (Wage minus £95.50)
Extra rules apply to people who have children, or people whose illness or disability means that they have Limited Capability for Work.
There are different amounts for couples.
Get in touch if you need to know more