Universal Credit Guide

  You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be: out of work working (including self-employed or part time) unable to work, for example because of a health condition To claim you must: live in the UK be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17) be under  State Pension age have £16,000 or less in  money, savings and investments There are different eligibility rules if you’ve received a  Migration Notice letter telling you to claim Universal Credit . You can  use a benefits calculator  to check what benefits you could get. If you’re an EU,  EEA  or Swiss citizen You and your family might also need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get Universal Credit.  Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme . If you live with your partner You will both need to claim for Universal Credit. You must make a joint claim for your...

  Universal Credit is paid monthly. How much you get depends on: your standard allowance any extra amounts that apply to you any money taken off your payment if you’re working, how much you earn See how much you could get by using a  benefits calculator . Standard allowance You’ll get one standard allowance for your household. How much you’ll get Monthly standard allowance If you’re single and under 25 £311.68 If you’re single and 25 or over £393.45 If you live with your partner and you’re both under 25 £489.23 (for you both) If you live with your partner and either of you are 25 or over £617.60 (for you both) Extra amounts You may get more money on top of your standard allowance if you’re eligible. If you have children You could get an extra amount for your children if they live with you. You would get the extra amount until the 31 August after their: 16th birthday 19th birthday, if they’re in eligible education or training – for example, they’re studying for GCSEs,...

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly - or  twice a month for some people in Scotland . You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. This guide is also available  in Welsh (Cymraeg)  and in an  easy read format . If you live in Northern Ireland, go to  Universal Credit in Northern Ireland . If you already get other benefits Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits and tax credits: 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’re getting any of these benefits or tax credits, you do not need to do anything unless either: your circumstances change you get a letter called a ‘Migration Notice’ telling you that you must claim Universal Credit Note: If you get a Migration Notice, you must move to Universal Credit within 3 months to keep getti...