This is a monthly payment made by the government to help with your living costs. In Scotland, you can choose to have it paid twice a month instead.
Here’s our guide to help you understand how to apply and how much you might get.1
Universal Credit was brought in to replace:
Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Working Tax Credit
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you already receive any of these, you won't need to do anything, unless:
you need to report a change in your circumstances
the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) gets in touch about moving you to Universal Credit
Find out how to apply for Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website. If you live in Northern Ireland, you'll need to go to nidirect.gov.uk. You’ll also need check you’re eligible to receive Universal Credit.
To apply, you’ll need an email address and details of the following:
bank, building society or credit union account
housing costs, such as how much rent you pay
income (for example, payslips)
savings and any investments (for example, shares)
childcare costs, if you’re applying for help with these
You’ll also need proof of identity, such as:
driving licence
passport
debit or credit card
You can't claim Universal Credit if you're also entitled to the severe disability premium, or have been within the last month.
Universal Credit payments vary because there’s a standard allowance per household, plus other elements you may, or may not, be eligible for. These include housing, childcare and disability.
The monthly standard allowance for Universal Credit decreased on the 6 October 2021, as the temporary increase for the coronavirus pandemic came to an end.
| Your circumstances | Standard allowance: |
|---|---|
| If you're single and under 25: | £257.33 per month |
| If you're single and 25 or over: | £324.84 per month |
| If you're part of a couple and both under 25: | £403.93 per month for you both |
| If you're part of a couple, and either of you is 25 or over: | £509.91 per month for you both |
| Your circumstances | If you're single and under 25: | If you're single and under 25: |
|---|---|---|
| Standard allowance: | £257.33 per month | £257.33 per month |
| Your circumstances | If you're single and 25 or over: | If you're single and 25 or over: |
| Standard allowance: | £324.84 per month | £324.84 per month |
| Your circumstances | If you're part of a couple and both under 25: | If you're part of a couple and both under 25: |
| Standard allowance: | £403.93 per month for you both | £403.93 per month for you both |
| Your circumstances | If you're part of a couple, and either of you is 25 or over: | If you're part of a couple, and either of you is 25 or over: |
| Standard allowance: | £509.91 per month for you both | £509.91 per month for you both |
Universal Credit is paid in arrears, but you can apply for an advance payment if you don’t have enough to live on while you wait.
You might be able to apply for other financial support related to Universal Credit, including Alternative Payment Arrangements, or a Budgeting Advance.
The GOV.UK website also has details of how to get help with things like:
emergency household expenses
funeral costs
cold weather payments
free school meals
legal costs
You could also be missing out on other benefits, which you may be entitled to.
We also have more coronavirus help and support and advice on money worries.
1We’ve made every effort to ensure this article is accurate, but things may change. Please check the GOV.UK website for up-to-date information.
