Universal Credit

If you're on a low income or you're currently out of work, you might be able to claim Universal Credit to help you cover your living costs.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a means-tested, non-taxable benefit that's paid monthly. It's designed to help you if you're on a low income or out of work. There are different elements depending on your circumstances – for example, if you’re a carer or you have a long-term health condition or disability. 

Universal Credit is replacing 4 other means-tested benefits known as ‘legacy benefits’. These are:

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support

Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit have been abolished as of April 2025, and anyone claiming those benefits will be moved onto Universal Credit.  

If you currently receive any of these benefits, you'll continue to get them as normal unless your circumstances change or you get a letter, known as a migration notice, telling you that you need to switch to Universal Credit.

Most people can no longer make a new claim for a legacy benefit, and instead need to claim Universal Credit.

How much Universal Credit could I get?

The amount of Universal Credit you might get depends on a few different things, such as how much you earn or how much you have in savings.

It may also vary depending on how much you earned in the month before, and whether your circumstances have changed.

The basic standard Universal Credit allowances depend on your age and whether you're single or a couple. In 2025-26, the basic standard allowances are as follows:

On top of the standard allowance, you might be entitled to extra money if you have:

• housing costs
• a health condition or disability
• caring responsibilities for a disabled person
• dependant children
• childcare costs.

If you received more from your benefits before moving to Universal Credit, or if you were entitled to the severe disability premium in your previous benefit, you could be entitled to a transitional element.

Am I eligible for Universal Credit?

You can claim Universal Credit if you:

• live in the UK
• have a low income or are out of work 
• have savings below £16,000
• aren't in education
• accept a ‘claimant commitment’.

A claimant commitment outlines what you'll need to do to keep receiving Universal Credit. It's based on your individual circumstances.

If you receive these benefits, you'll be told when it's time for you to start claiming Universal Credit instead:

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support

How to claim Universal Credit

You can claim Universal Credit by filling out the online claim form. When you're filling out the form, it's a good idea to have the following details to hand:

• your National Insurance number
• your bank account details
• information about your income and savings
• details of your household (such as your partner and other people living with you)
• details of any housing costs (such as rent and service charges)
• your email address (and a different one for your partner).

Apply for Universal Credit online on GOV.UK

You'll then normally be invited to a face-to-face interview with a work coach at your local Jobcentre Plus.

Find your local Jobcentre Plus on GOV.UK

During your interview, you’ll need to agree to certain conditions (this is known as making a 'claimant commitment'). For example, you might have to agree to a job search plan to help you get back to work or increase your income.

The conditions of the claimant commitment depend on your health, your responsibilities and your circumstances.

If you don't meet the conditions, your benefit might be reduced or stopped.

What if I need help filling out the form?

If you need help filling out the form, or you have any questions, call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 (or text/phone on 0800 328 1344). 

If you don’t feel confident about claiming online, ask your local Age UK for help or call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.

Moving to Universal Credit from other benefits

If you're claiming a legacy benefit and have a change of circumstances, you might need to stop claiming that benefit and make a new claim for Universal Credit. If this happens, you should get advice. 

Alternatively, you might be told to claim Universal Credit under the ‘managed migration’ process. This is where the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) moves people who are currently claiming legacy benefits over to Universal Credit, which means their legacy benefit stops.

If there’s a reduction in the amount you’re paid due to the managed migration process, you’ll be given an amount to make up the difference.

You’ll receive a letter inviting you to make a new Universal Credit claim, which stops your entitlement to existing benefits. If this happens, make your claim before the deadline in the letter or you may lose out on money.

If you live in certain types of accommodation – for example, supported housing – you might need to claim Housing Benefit to help with your rent. You can still get UC to help with other costs such as food and bills.

Find out how to contact Citizen's Advice for advice on making a Universal Credit claim