Universal Credit income: What is taken into account?
This guide explains the rules relating to income for Universal Credit (UC).
- Last reviewed 25 February 2026
The Government department that is responsible for employment and welfare See full definition takes into account your earnings to calculate your monthly entitlement to Universal Credit.
Your earnings affect your eligibility and how much you can get in Universal Credit.
If you have a partner, your joint earnings are taken into account even if your partner is not eligible for Universal Credit.
This guide will take you through each category so you can understand how they can affect your claim:
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