Enter your details below and see what work actually pays — versus what the welfare state provides for free. All figures use 2025–26 HMRC rates, Universal Credit allowances, and current benefit caps. Every change recalculates instantly.
| Benefit | Worker | Not Working |
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Tax: 2025-26 HMRC rates — Personal Allowance £12,570, basic rate 20%, higher rate 40% above £50,270. NICs: 8% on £12,570–£50,270. Universal Credit: standard allowances, child elements, housing element (LHA 2-bed) per DWP 2025-26 rates. Benefit cap: £23,420/yr (outside London), £26,020/yr (London) for couples/lone parents. Child Benefit: £26.05/wk first child, £17.25/wk subsequent. HICBC: clawback starts at £60,000. Council tax estimate: £1,800/yr (outside London), £1,500/yr (London). LHA rates are indicative 30th percentile for 2-bed. UC taper: 55p per £1 of net earnings above work allowance (£404/mo with housing costs, £673/mo without). Figures are annual estimates for illustrative purposes. Source: HMRC, DWP, GOV.UK.