Benefits and tax credits rates
Date last updated: 7 December 2021
Benefit and tax credit rates for 2021-22
Tax credits and benefits can be complex to calculate. The amounts listed here are a general guide only and are the maximum amounts available. You will need to get a calculation based on your individual circumstances.
For help with benefit calculations you can use this benefit calculator, or call our helpline. Citizens Advice can also advise on benefit and tax credit calculations.
For more information about benefits and tax credits please see our factsheets
Universal Credit
Universal Credit has replaced new claims for tax credits and a number of existing benefits. For more information see our universal credit information pages.
Below are the most common rates for Universal Credit. For a full list see gov.uk’s information on Universal Credit.
| Universal Credit Breakdown | Monthly Rate |
| Standard Allowance (Aged 25+) | £324.84 |
| Standard allowance (Under 25) | £257.33 |
| Eldest child (if born before 6th April 2017) | £282.50 |
| Other children | £237.08 |
| Childcare costs – maximum amount | 1 child: £646.35
2+ children: £1108.04 |
| Disabled child addition lower rate | £128.89 |
| Disabled child addition higher rate | £402.12 |
| Carer element | £163.73 |
| Limited capability for work element | £128.89 |
| Limited capability for work-related activity | £343.63 |
Other Benefits
| Benefit | Amount payable per week |
| Child benefit
You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training). For more information visit the gov.uk child benefit pages. |
First child: £21.15 Other children: £14 Note: You may have to pay a tax charge if your personal income is over £50,000. |
Statutory maternity, paternity, and adoption pay See our factsheet for full details of how to claim and how much is paid. |
£151.97
|
| Maternity allowance
See our factsheet for full details of how to claim and how much is paid |
£151.97
|
| Carer’s allowance
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. If you are looking after someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be eligible. Carers UK have more information. |
£67.60
|
| Widowed parent’s allowance |
£122.55
|
| Bereavement support payment
This is a new payment that applies if your husband, wife or civil partner died on or after 6th April 2018. It is made up of a lump sum and then a monthly payment for up to 18 months. The amount you can recieve if you have a child under 20 in full time non-advanced education is listed opposite. More information is available here or please call our helpline for further advice. |
First payment £3500 Monthly payment £350 |
| Income support
You can claim income support if your youngest child is under the age of five. If you receive income support you aren’t expected to look for work. You can claim income support regardless of the age of your children if you claim it for a reason other than being a single parent, for example because you are a full-time carer or a foster parent. |
Single parent under 18: £59.20 Single parent over 18: £74.70 See our information on Claiming income support and other benefits.
|
| Jobseekers allowance (JSA)
If your child is over five and you aren’t working, or are working fewer than 16 hours a week you can claim Jobseekers Allowance. See our factsheet Claiming JSA and other benefits. |
Single parent under 18: £59.20 Single parent over 18: £74.70 |
| Employment and support allowance (ESA)
If you are disabled or unwell and can’t work you can claim employment and support allowance. See the Gingerbread factsheet Benefits and tax credits for ill health or disability for full details and how to calculate the weekly amounts. |
Single parent under 18: £59.20
Single parent over 18: £74.70 Additional amounts Work related activity group: £29.70 Support group: £39.40 |
| Housing benefit
If you are receiving income support, jobseekers allowance or employment and support allowance, you should receive help with your rent and council tax. You may also receive help if you are receiving other benefits, or if you are working but are living on a low income. |
Weekly amount depends on your income and rent, but can be up to 100% of your weekly rent. For more information see our factsheets Housing options for single parents and Benefits and tax credits if you work 16 hours a week or more
|
| Council tax reduction
You can receive a reduction in your council tax bill if you are working and on a low income, or if you are receiving benefits. |
The amount of reduction depends on your local council’s rules and your income. |
| Support for mortgage interest (SMI)
If you are not in paid work, or work less than 16 hours a week and are on a low income, you may be able to receive help towards your mortgage interest through income support, jobseekers allowance or employment and support allowance. There is a waiting period of 39 weeks from the day you make your claim until your first payment. The amount you can receive depends on your individual circumstances. |
The amount paid depends on your individual circumstances. See the gov.uk SMI information pages. |
Tax credit rates for 2021-22
Useful organisations
Organisation: Citizens Advice Bureau
Details: Information and advice on a range of issues including benefits, employment, debt, housing, immigration, and consumer issues.
Phone: England – 03444 111 444; Wales – 03444 77 20 20
URL: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Organisation: Entitledto
Details: An organisation that provides online benefit and tax credit information and calculations.
URL: http://www.entitledto.co.uk/
Organisation: Shelter
Details: Gives details of local housing advice centres throughout the country and provides information and advice on a range of housing issues and signposting service for further help and advice.
Phone: Freephone 0808 800 4444
Organisation: Turn2us
Details: Search online for charitable trusts and grants.
Phone: 0808 802 2000