What is Universal Credit?

If you’re on a low income, or out of work, you may be able to claim Universal Credit.

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.

There's been a big increase in the number of people making claims during the coronavirus pandemic. 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 these other benefits:

• 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.

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.  

As of 6 April 2020, the standard allowances are:

If you're single and under 25:
£342.72 per month

If you're single and 25 or over:
£409.89 per month 

If you're part of a couple and both under 25:
£488.59 per month for you both 

If you're part of a couple and either of you is 25 or over:
£594.04 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

We also have more coronavirus help and support and advice on money worries. 

Find out if you might be eligible for Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website.

¹ We’ve made every effort to ensure this article is accurate, but things may change so please check the GOV.UK website for up-to-date information.