CAPITAL RULES

Benefits & Savings Calculator

See how your savings, property, and investments affect your Universal Credit award.

Include cash, bank accounts, shares, and property (other than your main home).

£

No Impact

Savings under £6,000 do not affect your benefits award.

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Deprivation of Capital: Do not spend your savings just to qualify for benefits. If the DWP believes you gave away or spent money specifically to get benefits, they may still treat you as having that money (called "notional capital").

What counts as "Capital"?

When applying for means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, the DWP looks at your "capital" to decide if you have enough money to support yourself without state help. This isn't just cash in your wallet.

Included Capital

  • Money in bank and building society accounts.
  • Savings and investments (including ISAs).
  • Shares, bonds and unit trusts.
  • Property you own but don't live in.
  • Lump sum payments (e.g., redundancy or insurance payouts).

Excluded Capital

Some items are generally ignored, including:

  • The home you live in.
  • Personal possessions (car, clothing, furniture).
  • Business assets if you are self-employed.
  • Personal injury compensation (usually for 12 months).