This page estimates what a final legacy tax credits award would have looked like before the scheme ended, then gives a rough Universal Credit comparison. It helps users answer the practical question: if the old award disappeared, what support framework now sits around the household instead?
TAX CREDITS · LEGACY / UC TRANSITION
Tax credits estimator
Legacy tax credits estimate
£11,228
- Working Tax Credit elements
- £2,435
- Child Tax Credit elements
- £7,455
- Income threshold used
- £7,955
- UC transition estimate
- £25,389
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit ended on 5 April 2025. This page estimates what a legacy award would have looked like and compares it with a rough Universal Credit transition scenario.
Scotland note: Universal Credit rates are UK-wide, but Scottish support and housing arrangements can change the wider picture.
Estimate a legacy Working Tax Credit / Child Tax Credit award and compare it with a rough Universal Credit transition scenario. Tax credits ended on 5 April 2025, so this is a reference and transition tool rather than a new-claim calculator.
This page estimates what a final legacy tax credits award would have looked like before the scheme ended, then gives a rough Universal Credit comparison. It helps users answer the practical question: if the old award disappeared, what support framework now sits around the household instead?
A couple with two children, childcare costs and mid-range earnings can still see a meaningful legacy award on the old system. The UC transition comparison is useful because the modern claim often behaves differently once the monthly assessment period, work allowance and childcare rules are applied.
- Working hours, couple status, number of children, disability elements and childcare costs all change the legacy award.
- Universal Credit uses monthly assessment periods and a taper, so the transition result is not a like-for-like clone of tax credits.
- Scottish housing and support arrangements can alter the wider picture even when the underlying UC rate tables are UK-wide.
QUICK ANSWER
What is this calculator?
Tax Credits Estimator turns the inputs on this page into a transparent planning estimate for the selected jurisdiction.
How is it calculated?
It uses the displayed inputs, the GB-2026.27.1 ruleset and the assumptions shown beside the result. Different eligibility, timing or household details can change the outcome.
Example
Use the result as an illustrative scenario, then change one input at a time to compare the next decision. It is not an offer or personalised financial advice.
Official source
Legacy tax credit elements are checked against the final published rates; UC transition assumptions use the current UK Universal Credit rate tables.
SOURCES & REVIEW
Checked against official guidance
Last reviewed 4 August 2026 · Rule version GB-2026.27.1
Daily/weekly source monitoring. If a source changes, the affected rule set is reviewed before publication.
Source line: Legacy tax credit elements are checked against the final published rates; UC transition assumptions use the current UK Universal Credit rate tables.
SOURCE LINKS
Every calculation keeps the official references visible so the numbers can be checked quickly.
WHY RESULTS DIFFER
Why two users can see different results
Why the result can differ
Different tax codes, payroll periods, Scottish bands, pension methods or lender assumptions can change the outcome.
One-off bonuses, pay frequency, overpayments, allowances and reliefs can move the result away from a simple annual estimate.
Where a rule depends on eligibility or legal status, this page shows an estimate and links to official guidance.
The explanation stays close to the result so users can compare the assumptions immediately instead of hunting through a separate policy page.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Can I still make a new tax credits claim?
No. Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit ended on 5 April 2025, so new claims are not possible.
Why does this page still exist?
It is a legacy reference and transition tool for households comparing old tax credits with modern Universal Credit support.
Does Scotland use different tax credit rules?
The legacy tax credit mechanics were UK-wide, but wider housing and support arrangements can change the transition picture.