Working on UC
Calculator · savings

Will your savings cut your Universal Credit?

Savings under £6,000 don't affect your UC. Between £6,000 and £16,000, your UC goes down a little for every £250. Over £16,000, you can't get UC. Money in a pension you haven't touched doesn't count.

Step 1: Your savings

Who is on your UC claim?

Enter your own savings.

£

Current accounts, savings accounts and Premium Bonds.

£

What you'd get if you cashed them in today.

£

What it's worth, minus any mortgage on it. Your own home doesn't count.

£

Cash at home, money in betting or trading accounts, and lump sums you've been paid.

Step 2 (optional): See your UC after savings

£a month

Take it from your Universal Credit statement, the monthly statement in your online account. If it already takes money off for savings, add that back on. You can skip this step.

Money that doesn't count

£

Optional. This doesn't affect your UC while you leave it alone. It only counts once you take money out.

Where your savings sit
Doesn't count£0 to £6,000
Cuts your UCup to £16,000
No UCover £16,000
Savings that count
Pensions, not counted
Taken off your UC each month
Your UC after savings

    How it works

    • The first £6,000 doesn't count at all.
    • Over that, UC takes off £4.35 a month for every £250 you have, or part of £250.
    • At £16,000 that's £174 a month. A penny more, and you can't get UC.
    • If you claim as a couple, both your savings are added together. The limits are the same.
    • Interest on your savings counts as more savings, not as income.

    More detail: savings and UC.

    Good to know

    • Your home doesn't count while you live in it, and nor do your belongings.
    • If you spend, give away or move savings to get under a limit, including putting them into a pension, DWP can treat you as still having the money.
    • If DWP moved you to UC from tax credits, savings over £16,000 may not count for up to 12 months.
    • Tell UC about changes to your savings in your Universal Credit journal.
    • This is an estimate, not financial or benefits advice. Citizens Advice can check your figures for free.
    Where these figures come from

    Checked November 2026.