Universal Credit (UC) is the main means-tested working-age benefit in the UK. It has replaced six older benefits: Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Most working-age people who need means-tested support now claim UC.
Who can claim Universal Credit?
UC is available to people who are on a low income or out of work, are aged 18 or over (16-17 in some circumstances), are under State Pension age, and have savings and assets below £16,000. You can claim whether you are employed, self-employed, or not working. It is also available to people with a disability or health condition, and to carers.
How much does Universal Credit pay?
UC is made up of a standard allowance plus additional elements depending on your circumstances. These elements include: a child element for each dependent child, a disability or health element (Limited Capability for Work), a carer element if you care for someone, and a housing cost element to help with rent.
The amount reduces as your income rises, with a taper rate applied to earnings. This means you keep some UC as you earn more, though the benefit reduces. UC is paid monthly.
The five-week wait
When you make a new UC claim, you will normally wait around five weeks for your first payment. You can request an advance payment to cover this gap — this is a loan repaid from future UC payments. If you need an advance, apply as soon as possible after making your claim.
How to apply
Most people apply online at GOV.UK. You will need your National Insurance number, bank details, information about your housing costs, and details about your income and savings. The process takes around 40 minutes for most people.
Where to get free help
- Citizens Advice: free help with UC claims and disputes — citizensadvice.org.uk
- Turn2Us benefit calculator: enter your situation and see estimated entitlement — turn2us.org.uk
- entitledto: another reliable free benefits calculator — entitledto.co.uk
- GOV.UK Universal Credit: the official, current information — gov.uk/universal-credit