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Benefit Check UK

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Universal Credit assessment period simulator

Universal Credit is paid one month in arrears. The amount depends on what earnings and capital you have during each one-month assessment period. Enter your dates below to see how redundancy pay, PILON and savings may affect your first payment. Indicative only.

Your assessment periods

Likely outcome

Each assessment period runs from your claim date. Anything paid into your account during an assessment period normally counts for that period.

Estimate only. This is based on the information you entered. Universal Credit calculations can vary depending on your full circumstances and the DWP's own assessment. The DWP makes the final decision.

  1. Assessment period 1

    28 May 2026 – 27 June 2026

    First payment for this period: ~2 July 2026

  2. Assessment period 2

    28 June 2026 – 28 July 2026

    First payment for this period: ~2 August 2026

    • • From AP2 onwards, redundancy and savings show up as capital. If your balance is above £16,000 at the end of any AP, UC stops that month.

Capital position

Total capital we've used: £0.

Under £6,000?
Yes
Tariff income / month
£0.00
Over £16,000?
No

For every £250 (or part) of capital between £6,000 and £16,000, DWP adds £4.35 of "tariff income" to your monthly calculation. At £16,000 or more, UC stops. Statutory redundancy pay counts as capital from the day you receive it.

What catches people out

  • • Claiming too early. If your final salary, PILON or holiday pay lands in your first AP, it usually wipes out that month's UC.
  • • Spending down redundancy. Paying off debts or essential bills is fine, but rapid spending to drop under £16k can trigger "deprivation of capital".
  • • Joint savings. Couples are assessed jointly — partner's ISAs and current accounts all count.
  • • Pension lump sums. Tax-free cash from a pension at 55+ usually counts as capital from the moment it arrives.

Want a full eligibility view?

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