Every Universal Credit claimant is entitled to a Standard Allowance - it will always be included when working out the claimant's Maximum UC.The Standard Allowance represents the basic amount that a claimant or a couple need to live on for their food and bills.The Standard Allowance varies according to age and whether it is for a single person or couple.The rates for 2023/24 are as follows:
Single aged 18*-24 | £311.68 |
Single aged 25 or over | £393.45 |
Couple both aged under 25 | £489.23 |
Couples one aged 25 or over | £617.60 |
*Although 18 is the 'default' age at which someone can claim Universal Credit, some 16 and 17 year olds are able to claim - and will receive the same rate of benefit as those aged 18-24.