Deductions from universal credit
Guide for professionals
What gets deducted from a universal credit payment
How to understand a claimant’s universal credit statements and identify what amounts are being deducted and why.
Common deductions to universal credit payments
the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will make any deductions after calculating the maximum amount a claimant could be awarded. The DWP can make deductions for:
take-home pay
other income
money, savings and investments
debts (such as for fuel, rent arrears or overpayments)
sanctions
the benefit cap
Housing related deductions
Some additional deductions apply specifically to the housing costs element of universal credit.
These deductions require detailed advice about the claimant's housing arrangements and are not discussed in this guide. These are:
deductions for under-occupying social housing (often called "bedroom tax")
deductions for "housing costs contributions" for other adults living in the property aside from the claimant and their partner
Universal credit statements
A claimant can check their online journal and download the statements to see what is being deducted from their universal credit.
Each universal credit statement sets out the total payment a claimant will receive for that monthly assessment period. It then breaks the award down into elements the claimant is entitled to, followed by the deductions.
Example of a statement
Claim statements typically set out deductions in a format like this:
In this example statement, money is being deducted for the claimant's earned income along with an extra deduction for some unearned income.
Further information
Find out more about obtaining universal credit statements, detailed information on benefit rates, and guidance on housing deductions.
Download universal credit statements
The claimant can view their online journal or download their universal credit statements by signing in to their universal credit account on the Gov.uk website.
Find full benefit figures
The figures used to calculate benefit deductions change over time, usually during the new financial year in April. You can find a full list of the benefit rates for 2025-2026 on the Gov.uk website.
Guidance on housing deductions
Find out more about size-related criteria for universal credit housing costs element on Shelter Legal.
Find out more about deductions from universal credit for non-dependents on Shelter Legal.
Last updated: 24 September 2025