Universal credit gives money to the poorest, whether in or out of work. People get more if their incomes are lower, their family is larger (up to two children), and if their rent is higher. They also get more if they are working.
Imagine a “plain-vanilla” family: two parents, a 13 year old son and an 11 year old daughter. They pay £2,140 rent monthly for a council tax band D flat in Hackney, and have £3,000 in savings. One adult works, the other does not.1 It’s quiz time: