xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
23.—(1) This Part contains provisions about the amounts (“the elements”) under—
(a)section 9 (the standard allowance);
(b)section 10 (responsibility for children and young persons);
(c)section 11 (housing costs); and
(d)section 12 (particular needs and circumstances),
of the Act that make up the maximum amount of an award of universal credit, as provided in section 8(2) of the Act.
(2) The elements to be included in an award under section 12 of the Act in respect of particular needs or circumstances are—
(a)F1... the LCWRA element (see regulations 27 and 28);
(b)the carer element (see regulations 29 and 30); and
(c)the childcare costs element (see regulations 31 to 35).
Textual Amendments
F1Words in reg. 23(2)(a) omitted (3.4.2017) by virtue of The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(3) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
24.—(1) The amount to be included in an award of universal credit for each child or qualifying young person for whom a claimant is responsible [F2and in respect of whom an amount may be included under section 10] (“the child element”) is given in the table in regulation 36.
(2) An additional amount as shown in that table is to be included in respect of each child or qualifying young person who is disabled and that amount is—
(a)the lower rate, where the child or qualifying young person is entitled to disability living allowance or personal independence payment (unless sub-paragraph (b) applies); or
(b)the higher rate where the child or qualifying young person is—
(i)entitled to the care component of disability living allowance at the highest rate or the daily living component of personal independence payment at the enhanced rate, or
(ii)F3... blind.
Textual Amendments
F2Words in reg. 24(1) inserted (6.4.2017) by Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 (c. 7), ss. 14(5)(a), 36(6); S.I. 2017/111, reg. 4
F3Words in reg. 24(2)(b)(ii) omitted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Universal Credit and Miscellaneous Amendments (No.2) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2888), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(b)
24A.—(1) Where a claimant is responsible for more than two children or qualifying young persons, the amount mentioned in section 10(1) of the Act is to be available in respect of—
[F5(za)any child or qualifying young person in relation to whom an exception applies in the circumstances set out in—
(i)paragraph 3 (adoptions) or paragraph 4 (non-parental caring arrangements) of Schedule 12; or
(ii)paragraph 6 of Schedule 12 by virtue of an exception under paragraph 3 of that Schedule having applied in relation to a previous award;]
(a)the first and second children or qualifying young persons in the claimant’s household; and
(b)the third and any subsequent child or qualifying young person in the claimant’s household if—
(i)the child or qualifying young person is transitionally protected; or
(ii)an exception applies in relation to that child or qualifying young person [F6in the circumstances set out in paragraph 2 (multiple births), paragraph 5 (non-consensual conception) or, except where sub-paragraph (za)(ii) applies, paragraph 6 (continuation of existing exception in a subsequent award) of Schedule 12].
(2) A reference in paragraph (1) to a child or qualifying young person being the first, second, third or subsequent child or qualifying young person in the claimant’s household is a reference to the position of that child or qualifying young person in the order determined in accordance with regulation 24B.
(3) A child or qualifying young person is transitionally protected [F7if the child or qualifying young person was born before 6th April 2017.]
F8(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]
Textual Amendments
F4Regs. 24A-24B inserted (6.4.2017) by The Social Security (Restrictions on Amounts for Children and Qualifying Young Persons) Amendment Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/376), regs. 1, 2(3)
F5Reg. 24A(1)(za) inserted (28.11.2018) by The Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1129), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(a)(i)
F6Words in reg. 24A(1)(b)(ii) inserted (28.11.2018) by The Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1129), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(a)(ii)
F7Words in reg. 24A(3) substituted (1.2.2019) by The Universal Credit (Restriction on Amounts for Children and Qualifying Young Persons) (Transitional Provisions) Amendment Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/27), regs. 1(2), 3
F8Reg. 24A(4) omitted (28.11.2018) by virtue of The Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1129), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(b)
24B.—(1) Subject to [F9paragraphs (2) and (2A)], the order of children or qualifying young persons in a claimant’s household is to be determined by reference to [F10the date of birth of each child or qualifying young person for whom the claimant is responsible, taking the earliest date first.]
(2) In a case where—
(a)the date in relation to two or more children or qualifying young persons for whom the claimant is responsible (as determined under paragraph (1)) is the same date;F11...
(b)F11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
the order of those children or qualifying young persons (as between themselves only) in the claimant’s household is the order determined by the Secretary of State that ensures that the amount mentioned in section 10(1) of the Act is available in respect of the greatest number of children or qualifying young persons.
[F12(2A) Any child or qualifying young person to whom regulation 24A(1)(za) applies is to be disregarded when determining the order of children and qualifying young persons under this regulation.]
(3) In this regulation and Schedule 12, “claimant” means a single claimant or either of joint claimants.]
Textual Amendments
F4Regs. 24A-24B inserted (6.4.2017) by The Social Security (Restrictions on Amounts for Children and Qualifying Young Persons) Amendment Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/376), regs. 1, 2(3)
F9Words in reg. 24B(1) substituted (28.11.2018) by The Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1129), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(a)(i)
F10Words in reg. 24B(1) substituted (28.11.2018) by The Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1129), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(a)(ii)
F11Reg. 24B(2)(b) and word omitted (28.11.2018) by virtue of The Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1129), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(b)
F12Reg. 24B(2A) inserted (28.11.2018) by The Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1129), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(c)
25.—(1) Paragraphs (2) to (4) specify for the purposes of section 11 of the Act (award of universal credit to include an amount in respect of any liability of a claimant to make payments in respect of the accommodation they occupy as their home)—
(a)what is meant by payments in respect of accommodation (see paragraph (2));
(b)the circumstances in which a claimant is to be treated as liable or not liable to make such payments (see paragraph (3));
(c)the circumstances in which a claimant is to be treated as occupying or not occupying accommodation and in which land used for the purposes of any accommodation is to be treated as included in the accommodation (see paragraph (4)).
(2) The payments in respect of accommodation must be—
(a)payments within the meaning of paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 (“rent payments”);
F13(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c)payments within the meaning of paragraph 7 of that Schedule (“service charge payments”).
(3) The circumstances of the liability to make the payments must be such that—
(a)the claimant (or either joint claimant)—
(i)has a liability to make the payments which is on a commercial basis, or
(ii)is treated under Part 1 of Schedule 2 as having a liability to make the payments; and
(b)none of the provisions in Part 2 of that Schedule applies to treat the claimant (or either joint claimant) as not being liable to make the payments.
(4) The circumstances in which the accommodation is occupied must be such that—
(a)the claimant is treated under Part 1 of Schedule 3 as occupying the accommodation as their home (including any land used for the purposes of the accommodation which is treated under that Part as included in the accommodation); and
(b)none of the provisions in Part 2 of that Schedule applies to treat the claimant as not occupying that accommodation.
(5) References in these Regulations—
(a)to the housing costs element are to the amount to be included in a claimant's award under section 11 of the Act;
(b)to a claimant who meets the payment condition, the liability condition or the occupation condition are, respectively, to any claimant in whose case the requirements of paragraph (2), (3) or (4) are met (and any reference to a claimant who meets all of the conditions specified in this regulation is to be read accordingly).
Textual Amendments
F13Reg. 25(2)(b) omitted (with effect in accordance with regs. 19 - 21 of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/725), reg. 1(2)(a), Sch. 5 para. 5(a)
26.—(1) This regulation provides for the amount to be included in an award in respect of an assessment period in which the claimant meets all the conditions specified in regulation 25.
(2) Schedule 4 has effect in relation to any claimant where—
(a)the claimant meets all of those conditions; and
(b)the payments for which the claimant is liable are rent payments (whether or not service charge payments are also payable).
(3) Schedule 5 has effect in relation to any claimant where—
(a)the claimant meets all of those conditions; and
(b)the payments for which the claimant is liable are—
F14(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(ii)service charge payments F15....
(4) Where both paragraphs (2) and (3) apply in relation to a claimant who occupies accommodation under a shared ownership tenancy—
(a)an amount is to be calculated under each of Schedules 4 and 5; and
(b)the amount of the claimant's housing cost element is the aggregate of those amounts.
(5) But where, in a case to which paragraph (4) applies, there is a liability for service charge payments, the amount in respect of those payments is to be calculated under Schedule 4.
(6) “
” means—(a)in England and Wales, a lease granted on payment of a premium calculated by reference to a percentage of the value of accommodation or the cost of providing it;
(b)in Scotland, an agreement by virtue of which the tenant of accommodation of which the tenant and landlord are joint owners is the tenant in respect of the landlord's interest in the accommodation or by virtue of which the tenant has the right to purchase the accommodation or the whole or part of the landlord's interest in it.
Textual Amendments
F14Reg. 26(3)(b)(i) omitted (with effect in accordance with regs. 19 - 21 of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/725), reg. 1(2)(a), Sch. 5 para. 5(b)
F15Word in reg. 26(3)(b)(ii) omitted (with effect in accordance with regs. 19 - 21 of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/725), reg. 1(2)(a), Sch. 5 para. 5(c)
27.—[F17(1) An award of universal credit is to include an amount in respect of the fact that a claimant has limited capability for work and work-related activity (“the LCWRA element”).]
(2) The [F18amount of that element is] given in the table in regulation 36.
(3) Whether a claimant has limited capability for F19... work and work-related activity is determined in accordance with Part 5.
[F20(4) In the case of joint claimants, where each of them has limited capability for work and work-related activity, the award is only to include one LCWRA element.]
Textual Amendments
F16Words in reg. 27 heading substituted (3.4.2017) by The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(4)(a) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F17Reg. 27(1) substituted (3.4.2017) by The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(4)(b) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F18Words in reg. 27(2) substituted (3.4.2017) by The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(4)(c) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F19Words in reg. 27(3) omitted (3.4.2017) by virtue of The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(4)(d) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F20Reg. 27(4) substituted (3.4.2017) by The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(4)(e) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Reg. 27(3) excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), regs. 1(2), 23(3)(a)(5)(a)
C2Reg. 27(3) excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), regs. 1(2), 26(2)(a)(3)(a)
C3Reg. 27(3) excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), regs. 1(2), 27(2)(a)(4)(a)
C4Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 24(4)
C5Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 26(2)(a)
C6Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 21(4)
C7Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 21(2)
C8Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 24(2)
C9Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 26(3)(a)
C10Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 23(3)
C11Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 23(2)
C12Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 19(2)(a)
C13Reg. 27(3) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 19(4)(a)
C14Reg. 27(3) excluded (cond.) by S.I. 2014/1230 reg. 23(1A) (as inserted (13.10.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1626), regs. 1(2), 5(2)(c))
28.—(1) An award of universal credit is not to include the F22... LCWRA element until the beginning of the assessment period that follows the assessment period in which the relevant period ends.
(2) The relevant period is the period of three months beginning with—
(a)if regulation 41(2) applies (claimant with [F23monthly] earnings equal to or above the relevant threshold) the date on which the award of universal credit commences or, if later, the date on which the claimant applies for the F24... LCWRA element to be included in the award; or
(b)in any other case, the first day on which the claimant provides evidence of their having limited capability for work in accordance with the Medical Evidence Regulations.
(3) But where, in the circumstances referred to in paragraph (4), there has been a previous award of universal credit—
(a)if the previous award included the F25... LCWRA element, paragraph (1) does not apply; and
(b)if the relevant period in relation to that award has begun but not ended, the relevant period ends on the date it would have ended in relation to the previous award.
(4) The circumstances are where—
(a)immediately before the award commences, the previous award has ceased because the claimant ceased to be a member of a couple or became a member of a couple; or
(b)within the six months before the award commences, the previous award has ceased because the financial condition in section 5(1)(b) (or, if it was a joint claim, section 5(2)(b)) of the Act was not met.
(5) Paragraph (1) also does not apply if—
(a)the claimant is terminally ill; or
(b)the claimant—
(i)is entitled to an employment and support allowance that includes the support component F26..., or
(ii)was so entitled on the day before the award of universal credit commenced and has ceased to be so entitled by virtue of section 1A of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 M1 (duration of contributory allowance).
F27(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(7) Where, by virtue of this regulation, the condition in section 5(1)(b) or 5(2)(b) of the Act is not met, the amount of the claimant's income (or, in the case of joint claimants, their combined income) is to be treated during the relevant period as such that the amount payable is the prescribed minimum (see regulation 17).
Textual Amendments
F21Words in reg. 28 heading omitted (3.4.2017) by virtue of The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(5)(a) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F22Words in reg. 28(1) omitted (3.4.2017) by virtue of The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(5)(a) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F23Word in reg. 28(2)(a) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Universal Credit and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1754), regs. 1(1), 2(3)
F24Words in reg. 28(2)(a) omitted (3.4.2017) by virtue of The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(5)(a) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F25Words in reg. 28(3)(a) omitted (3.4.2017) by virtue of The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(5)(a) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F26Words in reg. 28(5)(b)(i) omitted (3.4.2017) by virtue of The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(5)(b) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F27Reg. 28(6) omitted (3.4.2017) by virtue of The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(5)(c) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C15Reg. 28 excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), regs. 1(2), 23(4)(a)(6)(a)
C16Reg. 28 excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), regs. 1(2), 24(4)(a)
C17Reg. 28 excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), regs. 1(2), 25(2)(a)(ii)
C18Reg. 28 excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 21(3)
C19Reg. 28 excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 27(2)(a)
C20Reg. 28 excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 21(5)
C21Reg. 28 excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 21(7)
C22Reg. 28 excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 19(3)(a)
C23Reg. 28 excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 27(2)(b)
C24Reg. 28 excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 20(3)(4)
C25Reg. 28 excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 19(5)(a)
C26Reg. 28 excluded (cond.) by S.I. 2014/1230 reg. 26(4)(a) (as inserted (13.10.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1626), regs. 1(2), 5(4)(b))
C27Reg. 28 excluded (cond.) by S.I. 2014/1230 reg. 26(4)(b) (as inserted (13.10.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1626), regs. 1(2), 5(4)(b))
C28Reg. 28(1) excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), reg. 1(2), 26(2)(c)(3)(c)
C29Reg. 28(1) excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), reg. 1(2), 27(2)(c)(4)(c)
C30Reg. 28(1) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 26(2)(c)
C31Reg. 28(1) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 24(4)
C32Reg. 28(1) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 24(2)
C33Reg. 28(1) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 23(2)
C34Reg. 28(1) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 23(3)
C35Reg. 28(1) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 26(3)(c)
C36Reg. 28(2) excluded (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/386), regs. 1(2), 24(3)(a)
C37Reg. 28(2) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 21(6)
C38Reg. 28(2) excluded (16.6.2014) by The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1230), regs. 1(2), 20(2)
C39Reg. 28(2) excluded by S.I. 2014/1230 reg. 20A (as inserted (30.3.2015) by The Jobseeker s Allowance (Extended Period of Sickness) Amendment Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/339), regs. 1, 6)
Marginal Citations
29.—(1) An award of universal credit is to include an amount (“the carer element”) specified in the table in regulation 36 where a claimant has regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person, but subject to paragraphs (2) to (4) [F28and section 70(7) of the Contributions and Benefits Act (entitlement by different persons to the carer element and to carer’s allowance in respect of the same severely disabled person].
(2) In the case of joint claimants, an award is to include the carer element for both joint claimants if they both qualify for it, but only if they are not caring for the same severely disabled person.
(3) Where two or more persons have regular and substantial caring responsibilities for the same severely disabled person, an award of universal credit may only include the carer element in respect of one them and that is the one they jointly elect or, in default of election, the one the Secretary of State determines.
[F29(4) Where an amount would, apart from this paragraph, be included in an award in relation to a claimant by virtue of paragraphs (1) to (3), and the claimant has limited capability for work and work-related activity (and, in the case of joint claimants, the LCWRA element has not been included in respect of the other claimant), only the LCWRA element may be included in respect of the claimant.]
Textual Amendments
F28Words in reg. 29(1) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Universal Credit and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1754), regs. 1(1), 13
F29Reg. 29(4) substituted (3.4.2017) by The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(6) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
30.—(1) For the purposes of Part 1 of the Act and these Regulations, a person has regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person if they satisfy the conditions for entitlement to a carer's allowance or would do so but for the fact that their earnings have exceeded the limit prescribed for the purposes of that allowance.
(2) Paragraph (1) applies whether or not the person has made a claim for a carer's allowance.
(3) But a person does not have regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person if the person derives earned income from those caring responsibilities.
31. An award of universal credit is to include an amount in respect of childcare costs (“the childcare costs element”) in respect of an assessment period in which the claimant meets both—
(a)the work condition (see regulation 32); and
(b)the childcare costs condition (see regulation 33).
32.—(1) The work condition is met in respect of an assessment period if —
(a)the claimant is in paid work or has an offer of paid work that is due to start before the end of the next assessment period; and
(b)if the claimant is a member of a couple (whether claiming jointly or as a single person), the other member is either in paid work or is unable to provide childcare because that person—
(i)has limited capability for work,
(ii)has regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person, or
(iii)is temporarily absent from the claimant's household.
(2) For the purposes of meeting the work condition in relation to an assessment period a claimant is to be treated as being in paid work if—
(a)the claimant has ceased paid work—
(i)in that assessment period,
(ii)in the previous assessment period, or
(iii)if the assessment period in question is the first or second assessment period in relation to an award, in that assessment period or in the month immediately preceding the commencement of the award; or
(b)the claimant is receiving statutory sick pay, statutory maternity pay, F30... statutory paternity pay, F31... statutory adoption pay [F32, statutory shared parental pay] [F33, statutory parental bereavement pay] or a maternity allowance.
Textual Amendments
F30Word in reg. 32(2)(b) omitted (5.4.2015) by virtue of The Shared Parental Leave and Statutory Shared Parental Pay (Consequential Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3255), arts. 1(3), 28(3)(a) (with art. 35(1))
F31Words in reg. 32(2)(b) omitted (5.4.2015) by virtue of The Shared Parental Leave and Statutory Shared Parental Pay (Consequential Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3255), arts. 1(3), 28(3)(b) (with art. 35(1))
F32Words in reg. 32(2)(b) inserted (31.12.2014) by The Shared Parental Leave and Statutory Shared Parental Pay (Consequential Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3255), arts. 1(2), 28(3)(c)
F33Words in reg. 32(2)(b) inserted (6.4.2020) by The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay (Consequential Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/354), regs. 1, 28(3)
33.—(1) The childcare costs condition is met in respect of an assessment period if—
[F34(za)the claimant has paid charges for relevant childcare that are attributable to that assessment period (see regulation 34A) and those charges have been reported to the Secretary of State [F35before the end of the assessment period that follows the assessment period in which they were paid];]
(a)[F36the charges are in respect of]—
(i)a child, or
(ii)a qualifying young person who has not reached the 1st September following their 16th birthday,
for whom the claimant is responsible; and
(b)the charges are for childcare arrangements—
(i)that are to enable the claimant to take up paid work or to continue in paid work, or
(ii)where the claimant is treated as being in paid work by virtue of regulation 32(2), that are to enable the claimant to maintain childcare arrangements that were in place when the claimant ceased paid work or began to receive those benefits.
[F37(2) The late reporting of charges for relevant childcare may be accepted in the same circumstances as late notification of a change of circumstances may be accepted under regulation 36 of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2013 and, in such cases, subject to regulation 34A below, all or part of any such charges may be taken into account in any assessment period to which they relate.]
[F38(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), “the relevant notification period” in regulation 36 of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2013 means a period of time ending on the last day of the assessment period that follows the assessment period in which the charges for relevant childcare were paid.]
Textual Amendments
F34Reg. 33(1)(za) inserted (26.11.2014) by The Universal Credit (Digital Service) Amendment Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2887), regs. 1, 2(2)(a) (with reg. 5)
F35Words in reg. 33(1)(za) substituted (16.10.2019) by The Universal Credit (Childcare Costs and Minimum Income Floor) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1249), regs. 1(3), 2(a)
F36Words in reg. 33(1)(a) substituted (26.11.2014) by The Universal Credit (Digital Service) Amendment Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2887), regs. 1, 2(2)(b) (with reg. 5)
F37Reg. 33(2) substituted (26.11.2014) by The Universal Credit (Digital Service) Amendment Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2887), regs. 1, 2(2)(c) (with reg. 5)
34.—(1) The amount of the childcare costs element for an assessment period is the lesser of—
[F39(a)[F4085%] of the charges paid for relevant childcare that are attributable to that assessment period; or]
(b)the maximum amount specified in the table in regulation 36.
(2) In determining the amount of charges paid for relevant childcare, there is to be left out of account any amount—
(a)that the Secretary of State considers excessive having regard to the extent to which the claimant (or, if the claimant is a member of a couple, the other member) is engaged in paid work; or
(b)that is met or reimbursed by an employer or some other person or is covered by other relevant support.
(3) “Other relevant support” means payments out of funds provided by the Secretary of State or by Scottish or Welsh Ministers in connection with the claimant's participation in work-related activity or training.
Textual Amendments
F39Reg. 34(1)(a) substituted (26.11.2014) by The Universal Credit (Digital Service) Amendment Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2887), regs. 1, 2(3) (with reg. 5)
F40Word in reg. 34(1)(a) (as it has effect both as amended by and apart from the amendment made by SI 2014/2887, reg. 2(3)) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Universal Credit and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1754), regs. 1(2), 6(2)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C40Reg. 34(1)(a) percentage maintained (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2)(o) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/260), arts. 1(2)(o), 28(1)
34A.—(1) Charges paid for relevant childcare are attributable to an assessment period where—
(a)those charges are paid in that assessment period for relevant childcare in respect of that assessment period; or
(b)those charges are paid in that assessment period for relevant childcare in respect of a previous assessment period;or
(c)those charges were paid in either of the two previous assessment periods for relevant childcare in respect of that assessment period.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), where a claimant pays charges for relevant childcare in advance, the amount which they have paid in respect of any assessment period is to be calculated as follows: Step 1 Take the total amount of the advance payment (leaving out of account any amount referred to in regulation 34(2)). Step 2 Apply the formula—
Where—
PA is the amount resulting from step 1;
D is the total number of days covered by the payment referred to in step 1, and
AP is the number of days covered by the payment which also fall within the assessment period in question.
(3) In this regulation, a reference to an assessment period in which charges are paid, or in respect of which charges are paid, includes any month preceding the commencement of the award that begins on the same day as each assessment period in relation to a claimant's current award.]
Textual Amendments
F41Reg. 34A inserted (26.11.2014) by The Universal Credit (Digital Service) Amendment Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2887), regs. 1, 2(4) (with reg. 5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C41Reg. 34A(2) sum maintained (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2)(o) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/260), arts. 1(2)(o), 28(4), Sch. 17
35.—(1) “Relevant childcare” means any of the care described in paragraphs (2) to (5) other than care excluded by paragraph (7) or (8).
(2) Care provided in England for a child—
(a)by a person registered under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006 M2; or
[F42(b)by or under the direction of the proprietor of a school as part of the school's activities—
(i)out of school hours, where a child has reached compulsory school age, or
(ii)at any time, where a child has not yet reached compulsory school age; or]
[F43(c)by a domiciliary care provider registered with the Care Quality Commission in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 M3.]
(3) Care provided in Scotland for a child—
(a)by a person in circumstances in which the care service provided by the person consists of child minding or of day care of children within the meaning of [F44 schedule 12 to the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 M4 and is registered under Part 5 of that Act; or]
(b)by a childcare agency where the care service consists of or includes supplying, or introducing to persons who use the service, childcarers within the meaning of [F45paragraph 5 of schedule 12 to the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010; or]
(c)by a local authority in circumstances in which the care service provided by the local authority consists of child minding or of day care of children within the meaning of [F46schedule 12 to the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and is registered under Part 5 of that Act]
(4) Care provided in Wales for a child—
(a)by a person registered under Part 2 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 M5;
(b)in circumstances in which, but for article 11, 12 or 14 of the Child Minding and Day Care Exceptions (Wales) Order 2010 M6, the care would be day care for the purposes of Part 2 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010;
(c)by a childcare provider approved in accordance with a scheme made by the National Assembly for Wales under section 12(5) of the Tax Credits Act 2002 M7;
[F47(d)out of school hours, by a school on school premises or by a local authority;]
[F48(e)by a person who is employed, or engaged under a contract for services, to provide care and support by the provider of a domiciliary support service within the meaning of Part 1 of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016; or]
(f)by a foster parent in relation to the child (other than one whom the foster parent is fostering) in circumstances in which the care would be child minding or day care for the purposes of Part 2 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 but for the fact that the child is over the age of the children to whom that Measure applies.
(5) Care provided anywhere outside Great Britain by a childcare provider approved by an organisation accredited by the Secretary of State.
[F49(5A) In paragraph (2)(b), “school” means a school that Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills is, or may be, required to inspect.]
(6) In paragraphs (2)(b) and (4)(d)—
(a)“proprietor”, in relation to a school, means—
(i)the governing body incorporated under section 19 of the Education Act 2002 M8, or
(ii)if there is no such governing body, the person or body of persons responsible for the management of the school; and
(b)“school premises” means premises that may be inspected as part of an inspection of the school.
(7) The following are not relevant childcare—
(a)care provided for a child by a close relative of the child, wholly or mainly in the child's home; and
(b)care provided by a person who is a foster parent of the child.
(8) Care is not within paragraph (2)(a) if it is provided in breach of a requirement to register under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006.
(9) In this regulation “child” includes a qualifying young person mentioned in regulation 33(1)(a)(ii).
Textual Amendments
F42Reg. 35(2)(b) substituted (29.7.2013) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1508), regs. 1(2)(a), 3(6)(a)
F43Reg. 35(2)(c) inserted (29.7.2013) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1508), regs. 1(2)(a), 3(6)(b)
F44Words in reg. 35(3)(a) substituted (29.7.2013) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1508), regs. 1(2)(a), 3(6)(c)
F45Words in reg. 35(3)(b) substituted (29.7.2013) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1508), regs. 1(2)(a), 3(6)(d)
F46Words in reg. 35(3)(c) substituted (29.7.2013) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1508), regs. 1(2)(a), 3(6)(e)
F47Reg. 35(4)(d) substituted (29.7.2013) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1508, regs. 1(2)(a), 3(6)(f)
F48Reg. 35(4)(e) substituted (2.4.2018) by The Social Security and Child Support (Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016) (Consequential Provision) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/228), regs. 1, 14(2)
F49Reg. 35(5A) inserted (29.7.2013) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1508, regs. 1(2)(a), 3(6)(g)
Marginal Citations
M42010 asp.8.
M52010 nawm. 1.
M6S.I. 2010/2839 (W 233).
M82002 c. 32. Section 19 has been amended by S.I. 2010/1158.
36.—(1) The amounts of the standard allowance, the child element, the [F50LCWRA 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.
(2) The amount of the housing costs element is dealt with in regulation 26.
(3) 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.
Element | Amount for each assessment period | |
Standard allowance— | ||
single claimant aged under 25 | [F51[F52£256.05] [F52£342.72]] | |
single claimant aged 25 or over | [F51[F53£323.22] [F53£409.89]] | |
joint claimants both aged under 25 | [F51[F54£401.92] [F54£488.59]] | |
joint claimants where either is aged 25 or over | [F51[F55£507.37] [F55£594.04]] | |
Child element— | ||
[F56first child or qualifying young person] | [F56[F51£281.25]] | |
[F57second and each subsequent][F57each] child or qualifying young person | [F51£235.83] | |
Additional amount for disabled child or qualifying young person— | ||
lower rate | [F51£128.25] | |
higher rate | [F51£400.29] | |
[F58LCWRA element]— | ||
F59. . . | F59. . . | |
limited capability for work and work-related activity | [F51£341.92] | |
Carer element | [F51£162.92] | |
Childcare costs element— | ||
maximum amount for one child | [F51£646.35] | |
maximum amount for two or more children | [F51£1,108.04] |
Textual Amendments
F50Words in reg. 36(1) substituted (3.4.2017) by The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(7)(a) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F51Sums in reg. 36 substituted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3)(o) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/234), art. 33, Sch. 13
F52Sum in reg. 36 substituted (temp.) (with effect in accordance with reg. 3(2) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/371), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(a) (as amended (6.4.2020) by The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Amendment Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/397), regs. 1, 2(1))
F53Sum in reg. 36 substituted (temp.) (with effect in accordance with reg. 3(2) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/371), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(b) (as amended (6.4.2020) by The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Amendment Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/397), regs. 1, 2(1))
F54Sum in reg. 36 substituted (temp.) (with effect in accordance with reg. 3(2) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/371), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(c) (as amended (6.4.2020) by The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Amendment Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/397), regs. 1, 2(1))
F55Sum in reg. 36 substituted (temp.) (with effect in accordance with reg. 3(2) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/371), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(d) (as amended (6.4.2020) by The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Amendment Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/397), regs. 1, 2(1))
F56Words in reg. 36 table omitted (6.4.2017) by virtue of Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 (c. 7), ss. 14(5)(b)(i), 36(6); S.I. 2017/111, reg. 4
F57Word in reg. 36 substituted (6.4.2017) by Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 (c. 7), ss. 14(5)(b)(ii), 36(6); S.I. 2017/111, reg. 4
F58Words in reg. 36 table substituted (3.4.2017) by The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/204), regs. 1, 4(7)(b)(i) (with Sch. 2 paras. 8-15)
F59Words in reg. 36 table omitted (6.4.2017) by virtue of Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 (c. 7), ss. 14(5)(b)(i), 36(6); S.I. 2017/111, reg. 4; and sum in reg. 36 table (as saved) substituted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3)(o) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/234), art. 33, Sch. 13
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C42Reg. 36 sums maintained (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3)(m) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/480), arts. 1(3)(m), 29(2), Sch. 9
37. In calculating the maximum amount of an award where any of the following persons has died—
(a)in the case of a joint award, one member of the couple;
(b)a child or qualifying young person for whom a claimant was responsible; F60...
(c)in the case of a claimant who had regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person, that person[F61; or
(d)a person who was a non-dependant within the meaning of paragraph 9(2) of Schedule 4,]
the award is to continue to be calculated as if the person had not died for the assessment period in which the death occurs and the following two assessment periods.
Textual Amendments
F60Word in reg. 37(b) omitted (28.4.2014) by virtue of The Universal Credit and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/597), regs. 1, 2(3)
F61Reg. 37(d) and word inserted (28.4.2014) by The Universal Credit and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/597), regs. 1, 2(3)