MoneyUniversal CreditUniversal Credit is made up of a standard allowance, which is the basic amount you get before any additional elements or deductions are taken into account.12:31, 24 May 2026Universal Credit claimants who are planning a summer holiday should be aware of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rules around going away.‌You can leave the UK for up to one month without it impacting your Universal Credit claim - but you have to let the DWP know.‌You normally do this by reporting a change of circumstance in your online journal, or by contacting the Universal Credit helpline.‌However, you will still have to stick to your claimant commitment when you are abroad. This means you may have to continue looking for work while you are on holiday.If you are in the intensive work search group, then you are generally expected to spend 35 hours a week looking for a job.‌There are exceptions, such as if you are going abroad for medical treatment, in which case you can stay up to six months. If a close relative passes away, then you can stay abroad for one extra month abroad.Universal Credit is made up of a standard allowance, which is the basic amount you get before any additional elements - for example, if you have children or are unable to work due to illness - or deductions are taken into account.You may be subject to deductions if you have savings or if you owe the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) money. If you work, there is a taper rate which reduces your maximum Universal Credit payment as your earnings increase.‌The taper rate is 55% which means 55p is deducted from your maximum Universal Credit payment for every £1 you earn. Some people get a "work allowance" which is a set amount you can earn before your Universal Credit is reduced.Universal Credit payment rates 2026/27SingleUnder 25: £338.58 a month25 or over: £424.90 a month‌CouplesJoint claimants both under 25: £528.34 a monthJoint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 a monthChild amounts‌First child (born prior to 6 April 2017): £351.88 a monthFirst child (born on or after 6 April 2017 / second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies): £303.94 a monthLimited Capability for WorkLimited Capability for Work amount: £158.76 a monthLimited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount (new claimants): £217.26 a monthLimited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity amount (pre-2026 claimant, severe conditions criteria claimant or claimant who is terminally ill): £429.80 a month‌Carer amount£209.34Work allowancesArticle continues belowHigher work allowance (no housing amount) one or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £710 a monthLower work allowance one or more dependent children or limited capability for work: £427 a monthThe full list of additional elements and deductions for Universal Credit payments can be found on GOV.UK.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Department for Work and PensionsUniversal Credit