Regulation 38 Amounts of elementsC1C2C3C4C5
Northern Ireland
The amounts of the standard allowance, the child element, the F1LCWRA element and the carer element (which are all fixed amounts) and the maximum amounts of the childcare costs element are given in the following table.
The amount of the housing costs element is dealt with in regulation 27.
In the case of an award where the claimant is a member of a couple, but claims as a single person, the amounts are those shown in the table for a single claimant.
| F2Element | Amount for each assessment period | |
|---|---|---|
| F3Standard allowance— | ||
| single claimant aged under 25 | £338.58 | |
| single claimant aged 25 or over | £424.90 | |
| joint claimants both age under 25 | £528.34 | |
| joint claimants where either is aged 25 or over | £666.97 | |
| Child element— | ||
| first child or qualifying young person | F4£351.88 | |
| second and each subsequent child or qualifying young person | £303.94 | |
| Additional amount for disabled child or qualifying young person— | ||
| lower rate | £164.79 | |
| higher rate | £514.71 | |
| LCW and LCWRA elements— | ||
| limited capability for work | £158.76 | |
| F5claimant with limited capability for work and work-related activity, other than a pre-2026 claimant, a severe conditions criteria claimant or a claimant who is terminally ill | £217.26 | |
| F6pre-2026 claimant, severe conditions criteria claimant or claimant who is terminally ill | F7£429.80 | |
| Carer element. | £209.34 | |
| Childcare costs element— | ||
| maximum amount for one child | £1,071.09 | |
| maximum amount for two or more children | £1,836.16 | |
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
Words in reg. 38(1) substituted (coming into force in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending Rule) by The Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 (S.R. 2017/146), regs. 1(2), 2(6)(a)
- F2
Sum in Reg. 38 table substituted (coming into force in accordance with of the amending Rule) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (S.R. 2025/64), arts. 1(1)(n), 32(2), Sch. 13
- F3
Words in reg. 38 Table substituted (6.4.2026 with effect in relation to assessment periods commencing on or after that date) by The Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (Rates of Allowances) (Amendment and Modification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (S.R. 2026/54), regs. 1(4), 3(3)(a)
- F4
Sums in reg. 38 Table substituted (coming into operation in accordance with art. 1(1)(n) of the amending Rule) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (S.R. 2026/59), arts. 1(1)(n), 32(2), Sch. 13
- F5
Words in reg. 38 Table inserted (6.4.2026 with effect as in relation to assessment periods commencing on or after that date) by Universal Credit Act 2025 (c. 22), Sch. 2 para. 2(5)(a)(10)
- F6
Words in reg. 38 Table substituted (6.4.2026 with effect as in relation to assessment periods commencing on or after that date) by Universal Credit Act 2025 (c. 22), Sch. 2 para. 2(5)(b)(10)
- F7
Sum in reg. 38 Table substituted (6.4.2026 with effect in relation to assessment periods commencing on or after that date) by The Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (Rates of Allowances) (Amendment and Modification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (S.R. 2026/54), regs. 1(4), 3(3)(b)
Modifications
- C1
Sums in reg. 38 Table amended (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(o) of the amending Rule) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2020 (S.R. 2020/40), arts. 1(1)(o), 33(2), Sch. 13
- C2
Reg. 38 modified (temp.) (6.4.2021) by The Universal Credit (Extension of Coronavirus Measures) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (S.R. 2021/67), regs. 1, 2(1)
- C3
Sums in reg. 38 Table amended (coming into operation in accordance with art. 1(1)(p) of the amending Rule) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (S.R. 2021/82), arts. 1(1)(p), 33(2), Sch. 13
- C4
Reg. 38: sum amended (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(p) of the amending Rule) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 (S.R. 2023/43), art. 33(2)
- C5
Reg. 38: sum modified (26.9.2023) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating (No. 3) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 (S.R. 2023/150), arts. 1, 32(2), Sch. 13