Minimum income floor
The minimum income floor is an assumed level of earnings Universal Credit uses for self-employed claimants past their start-up period. If you earn less than it, your award is worked out as though you had earned it anyway.
Correct for the 2026/27 tax year. Last checked 12/09/2026.
It is set from the national minimum or living wage for your age, at the hours you are expected to work, less notional tax and National Insurance.
What it means for your money
A quiet month does not raise your Universal Credit once the floor applies. That is the mechanic that makes gig driving on Universal Credit unpredictable, because earnings swing week to week and the floor does not.
There is a start-up period, usually twelve months from when you told them you were self-employed, during which actual earnings are used. Some exemptions apply beyond that.
Where to read more
Universal Credit when you drive and the minimum income floor.
Related
The minimum income floor
The minimum income floor is an assumed level of earnings Universal Credit applies to self-employed claimants after a start-up period. Earn less than it and your award is calculated as though you had earned it, which removes the top-up in exactly the months you need it.
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Universal Credit when you drive
Universal Credit for a self-employed driver works on monthly reported earnings, not on the tax year, and once your start-up period ends a minimum income floor can be applied. That combination makes an award unpredictable when earnings swing week to week.
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