Universal Credit (UC) remains a crucial part of the UK’s social security system, offering essential financial support to millions of working-age people and families. As we approach November 2025, one of the key components of Universal Credit is the £628.10 figure — the monthly Standard Allowance for joint claimants where at least one person is aged 25 or over. This payment figure is a core entitlement and not a special or one-off payment, so it’s important for claimants to understand its significance, eligibility, and the wider context of Universal Credit in 2025.
This comprehensive guide explains the £628.10 monthly payment, the full structure of Universal Credit, how payments are calculated, and what claimants can expect from the November 2025 payment cycle.
£628 Universal Credit in November 2025 – Overview
| Standard Allowance (Couple, 25+) | £628.10 |
| Standard Allowance (Single, 25+) | £400.14 |
| Standard Allowance (Couple, Under 25) | £497.55 |
| Standard Allowance (Single, Under 25) | £316.98 |
| Childcare Element (Maximum Reimbursement) | 85% |
| Taper Rate (Reduction per £1 earned) | 55p |
| Benefit Cap (Monthly, Outside London, Couple) | £1,835.00 |
| Cold Weather Payment (Per 7-day period) | £25.00 |
| Winter Fuel Payment (Range) | £100 – £300 |
Understanding the £628.10 Figure
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit, meaning the amount you receive is calculated based on factors such as income, savings, household size, and specific needs (e.g., disability or children). The £628.10 figure is the monthly Standard Allowance for a household of joint claimants, where at least one member is aged 25 or over. For the 2025/2026 financial year, the monthly rates for the Standard Allowance under Universal Credit are:
| Household Type | Monthly Standard Allowance (2025/26) |
|---|---|
| Single Claimant (Under 25) | £316.98 |
| Single Claimant (25 or over) | £400.14 |
| Joint Claimants (Both under 25) | £497.55 |
| Joint Claimants (One or both 25 or over) | £628.10 |
It’s important to note that this £628.10 is just the starting point for the joint claimants. The final payment could be higher or lower depending on other components and any applicable reductions.
What Are Universal Credit ‘Elements’?
In addition to the Standard Allowance, the total Universal Credit payment can increase through various ‘Elements’ based on a claimant’s circumstances. These additional payments may include:
- Child Element: A set amount for each dependent child, with a higher rate for disabled children.
- Childcare Costs Element: Up to 85% of registered childcare costs can be claimed back, up to a maximum monthly limit.
- Housing Element: A contribution toward rent or service charges, calculated based on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates.
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) Element: An extra amount for claimants whose health conditions or disabilities severely limit their ability to work.
- Carer Element: An additional payment for those who provide substantial care (at least 35 hours per week) for a severely disabled person.
How Earnings Impact Universal Credit?
If a claimant is working, their earnings will reduce their Universal Credit payment. However, the Standard Allowance is not affected by earnings. For those with children or health conditions, the first portion of earnings up to the Work Allowance (if applicable) is disregarded. After that, the Taper Rate reduces the Universal Credit payment by 55p for every £1 earned above the Work Allowance.
Reductions to Universal Credit: Benefit Cap and Debt Deductions
Universal Credit payments may be reduced by various factors:
Taper Rate:
- Universal Credit is intended to support low-income working-age individuals, but as earnings increase, the amount of Universal Credit is gradually reduced. The Taper Rate means for every £1 earned above the Work Allowance, 55p is deducted from the Universal Credit payment.
Benefit Cap:
- The Benefit Cap limits the total amount of benefits a non-working household can receive. For November 2025, the cap is:
- £1,835.00 per month for couples and lone parents.
- £1,229.42 per month for single adults without children.
Any amount above these caps will be deducted from the final Universal Credit payment.
Debt Deductions:
- Deductions are made for things like Universal Credit advance payments, overpayments, and utility arrears. As of April 2025, the amount that can be deducted for debt repayment is capped at 15% of the Standard Allowance.
Universal Credit Payment Dates in November 2025
Universal Credit payments are made monthly, in arrears, on the same date each month. The payment date is determined by the Assessment Period, which lasts exactly one calendar month.
- For Example: If a claimant’s first Assessment Period ended on October 10th, their payment date for November would be November 17th, 2025.
Key Date Guidance for November 2025:
- Standard Payment Dates: In November 2025, there are no UK-wide bank holidays, so regular payments due between November 1st and November 30th should be paid on the scheduled date.
- Weekend Payments: If a payment is due on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the DWP typically processes the payment on the last working day before the due date. For instance, a payment due on Sunday, November 9th would likely be paid on Friday, November 7th.
- The Universal Credit payment received in November 2025 relates to the household’s circumstances during the Assessment Period that ended in October 2025.
Eligibility for Universal Credit in November 2025
To be eligible for Universal Credit, claimants must meet the following criteria:
- Live in the UK.
- Be aged 18 or over (with some 16-17-year-olds potentially eligible).
- Be under State Pension Age.
- Have £16,000 or less in capital, savings, and investments.
For Joint Claimants
If you live with a partner, you must make a joint claim for Universal Credit, even if only one of you is eligible or out of work. In this case, the £628.10 Standard Allowance applies to your household if at least one person is aged 25 or over.
Other DWP Financial Support in November 2025
In addition to the £628.10 Standard Allowance for joint claimants, other forms of DWP-administered support are also available:
- Winter Fuel Payment: Paid to individuals who have reached the qualifying age (born on or before September 21, 1959, for the 2025/26 season). This one-off payment ranges from £100 to £300 and is typically paid in November or December.
- Cold Weather Payment: Available from November 1st to March 31st, this payment provides £25 for each 7-day period where the temperature in the claimant’s area is recorded as zero degrees Celsius or below. It is not automatically paid but triggered by cold weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
The £628.10 Standard Allowance for joint claimants in November 2025 is a key part of Universal Credit, providing essential financial support for couples. However, it’s important to note that this is just the starting point of the payment calculation. Depending on additional elements and any reductions, the final Universal Credit payment may be higher or lower.
Claimants should always verify their payment details through their Universal Credit online journal and stay informed about changes in their circumstances, such as family size or housing costs, to ensure their payment is correct. For those needing extra help, organisations like Citizens Advice offer free, independent support.
FAQs
What is the “Assessment Period” and why is it important for my November payment?
The Assessment Period is a fixed, one-month period that the DWP uses to calculate your Universal Credit payment.
Is the £628.10 payment a Cost of Living Payment or a special bonus?
No. The £628.10 figure is the Standard Monthly Allowance for a couple where at least one person is aged 25 or over. It’s a core element of Universal Credit, not a one-off payment.
How do my earnings affect the £628.10 Standard Allowance?
If you are working while claiming Universal Credit, your earnings reduce your total payment, but not the Standard Allowance itself.
Why is my payment higher/lower than the £628.10 Standard Allowance?
Your final payment could be higher if you qualify for additional elements.
Will I get the Cold Weather Payment in November 2025?
You will only receive the Cold Weather Payment if your area experiences temperatures of zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.