The Reckoners
Updated to 2026 / 2027 versions on April 9th 2026.
How much is bedroom tax? What's the MIF level? What's the redundancy pay?
Emergency Tax for pensions*
When taking lump sums from a pension, it is common for emergency tax rates to be applied to the withdrawal. This is because tax is applied as if the sum will be regular income. Although this can be reclaimed it may be important to know how much initial tax is payable
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State Pension Age*
This reckoner shows when State Pension Age is reached, for individuals or couples, and when 'Mixed Age Couple' rules will apply for state benefits.
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Mixed Age Couples Loss Reckoner
Shows when State Pension Age is reached and when 'Mixed Age Couple' rules will apply, and estimates the lower level of benefit paid to couples on Universal Credit instead of Guarantee Pension Credit.
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Notional Pension Income Reckoner
Untaken pension savings, for those over state retirement age, are treated as generating a notional income for pension savings. This is a complex calculation using the client's age, savings, current 15 year Gilt rates and values from Government Actuaries Department tables of notional annuity values.
This reckoner carries out these complex calculations.
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Work
Estimates of changes in overall income when job or earnings change whether not claiming benefits or receiving Universal Credit. Takes account of tax, including Scottish Tax, National insurance, pension contributions, childcare and work expenses.
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Benefits effect of making Pension Contributions
Making contributions to pension savings, while working and receiving in-work benefits can affect the amount of benefit received. This is because it may change the amount of earnings used in the benefit calculation. By reducing the earnings used, contributions can increase the amount of benefit. The effect is different for different benefits. The reckoner shows the effect of pension savings on the different benefits.
Redundancy Reckoner
This reckoner estimates entitlement to statutory redundancy pay. Using entered full years of employment.
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Tax and NI*
Estimates tax and National Insurance for employed and self-employed. Includes NI and Scottish income tax
Net Earnings to Gross Earnings
Assesses the gross earnings required to produce a net earnings figure.
Surplus Earnings for Universal Credit*
Estimates how earnings, which are high enough to have stopped Universal Credit from payment, will reduce further claims if Universal Credit is reclaimed within 6 months.
Equity Comparison Reckoner*
Mortgages and Equity Release, with different ways in which interest can accrue or be paid are complex financial products. Means-tested benefits can also now include loans for providing some help with mortgage interest payments.
This reckoner looks at potential costs of different types of mortgages over a range of time and includes benefit loans. It also illustrates the effects of house price inflation over time.
This is not intended to help with decisions about any choices being made where professional advice should be sought.
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LMI Home Equity Reckoner
Estimates the effect on home equity of taking a Loan for Mortgage Interest in means-tested benefits. This is not intended to help with decisions about any choices being made, where professional advice should be sought
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Net to Gross reckoner
This reckoner calculates the original gross value of a sum on which income tax has been paid.
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Bedrooms for Benefits*
This reckoner calculates the number of bedrooms a household is entitled to for benefit purposes. This figure is in assessing entitlement to rental support in Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.
For social tenants it is used in the 'Bedroom Tax' or 'Spare Room Subsidy' calculation.
For private tenants it is used in the Local Housing Allowance figures for local areas across the UK.
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Cyfrifiannell Cyfyngiadau Ystafelloedd Gwely Tenantiaid*
Gweler
(Bedroom Reckoner in Welsh)