DWP - Universal Credit

How Could Universal Credit Help You?

Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs.

What Universal Credit Replaces

Universal Credit replaces:

• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Working Tax Credit

If you are already claiming these benefits or tax credits you don’t need to do anything now. The Department for Work and Pensions will get in touch with you before there are any changes to your benefits or tax credits.

Who Can Get Universal Credit

You can apply for Universal Credit if you are on a low income or unemployed.

You will usually only be able to claim Universal Credit if you are aged 18 or over, but some people aged 16 or 17 can get it, depending on their circumstances.

You usually won’t be able to claim Universal Credit if you’re in full-time education or training, but people with certain circumstances can still apply. Read the detailed guidance on eligibility and Universal Credit and students to find out more.

You can use a benefits calculator to help you understand what benefits you could get. You will be asked to enter information about your circumstances, and it will tell you which benefits you might be able to apply for. One of those might be Universal Credit.

If you want to go straight to making a claim for Universal Credit, visit gov.uk/universal-credit.

Health Conditions or Disabilities

Click here for detailed information about Universal Credit if you have a health condition or disability that prevents you from working, or limits the amount of work you can do.