Part 1Universal credit

CHAPTER 1Entitlement and awards

Elements of an award

9Standard allowance

1

The calculation of an award of universal credit is to include an amount by way of an allowance for—

a

a single claimant, or

b

joint claimants.

2

Regulations are to specify the amount to be included under subsection (1).

3

Regulations may provide for exceptions to subsection (1).

10Responsibility for children and young persons

1

The calculation of an award of universal credit is to include an amount for each child or qualifying young person for whom a claimant is responsible.

2

Regulations may make provision for the inclusion of an additional amount if such a child or qualifying young person is disabled.

3

Regulations are to specify, or provide for the calculation of, amounts to be included under subsection (1) or (2).

4

Regulations may provide for exceptions to subsection (1).

5

In this Part, “qualifying young person” means a person of a prescribed description.

11Housing costs

1

The calculation of an award of universal credit is 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.

2

For the purposes of subsection (1)—

a

the accommodation must be in Great Britain;

b

the accommodation must be residential accommodation;

c

it is immaterial whether the accommodation consists of the whole or part of a building and whether or not it comprises separate and self-contained premises.

3

Regulations may make provision as to—

a

what is meant by payments in respect of accommodation for the purposes of this section (and, in particular, the extent to which such payments include mortgage payments);

b

circumstances in which a claimant is to be treated as liable or not liable to make such payments;

c

circumstances in which a claimant is to be treated as occupying or not occupying accommodation as their home (and, in particular, for temporary absences to be disregarded);

d

circumstances in which land used for the purposes of any accommodation is to be treated as included in the accommodation.

4

Regulations are to provide for the determination or calculation of any amount to be included under this section.

5

Regulations may—

a

provide for exceptions to subsection (1);

b

provide for inclusion of an amount under this section in the calculation of an award of universal credit—

i

to end at a prescribed time, or

ii

not to start until a prescribed time.

12Other particular needs or circumstances

1

The calculation of an award of universal credit is to include amounts in respect of such particular needs or circumstances of a claimant as may be prescribed.

2

The needs or circumstances prescribed under subsection (1) may include—

a

the fact that a claimant has limited capability for work;

b

the fact that a claimant has limited capability for work and work-related activity;

c

the fact that a claimant has regular and substantial caring responsibilities for a severely disabled person.

3

Regulations are to specify, or provide for the determination or calculation of, any amount to be included under subsection (1).

4

Regulations may—

a

provide for inclusion of an amount under this section in the calculation of an award of universal credit—

i

to end at a prescribed time, or

ii

not to start until a prescribed time;

b

provide for the manner in which a claimant’s needs or circumstances are to be determined.