Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a new, simpler, single monthly payment merging six benefits into one. It is for working age claimants.

About Universal Credit

You can apply for Universal Credit if you are on a low income or are unemployed. You'll usually only be able to claim if you are aged 18 or over, but some people aged 16 or 17 can claim, depending on their circumstances.

Universal Credit replaces the following benefits:

Housing Benefit
Income based Jobseekers Allowance
Income related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit

How to Claim

Check out if you are eligible to apply for Universal Credit. You'll need your National Insurance number and your postcode to check.

If you're already claiming any benefits, you don't need to do anything - you'll be told when Universal Credit will affect you. If you have a change of circumstances, it might mean you can't make a new claim for a legacy benefit. If you're in this situation, you might have to claim Universal Credit instead.

Universal Credit will be managed online through the Department of Work and Pensions. Please read the Government's how to claim guide. You'll need to claim online and check payments and updates through your online account.