Part 1Universal credit

CHAPTER 1Entitlement and awards

Awards

7Basis of awards

1

Universal credit is payable in respect of each complete assessment period within a period of entitlement.

2

In this Part an “assessment period” is a period of a prescribed duration.

3

Regulations may make provision—

a

about when an assessment period is to start;

b

for universal credit to be payable in respect of a period shorter than an assessment period;

c

about the amount payable in respect of a period shorter than an assessment period.

4

In subsection (1) “period of entitlement” means a period during which entitlement to universal credit subsists.

8Calculation of awards

1

The amount of an award of universal credit is to be the balance of—

a

the maximum amount (see subsection (2)), less

b

the amounts to be deducted (see subsection (3)).

2

The maximum amount is the total of—

a

any amount included under section 9 (standard allowance),

b

any amount included under section 10 (responsibility for children and young persons),

c

any amount included under section 11 (housing costs), and

d

any amount included under section 12 (other particular needs or circumstances).

3

The amounts to be deducted are—

a

an amount in respect of earned income calculated in the prescribed manner (which may include multiplying some or all earned income by a prescribed percentage), and

b

an amount in respect of unearned income calculated in the prescribed manner (which may include multiplying some or all unearned income by a prescribed percentage).

4

In subsection (3)(a) and (b) the references to income are—

a

in the case of a single claimant, to income of the claimant, and

b

in the case of joint claimants, to combined income of the claimants.