Universal Credit is a monthly benefit you can claim if you’re on a low income and need extra support with living and housing costs. It can help if you’re:

• looking for work
• unable to work due to an illness or disability
• working or self-employed on a low income
• have caring responsibilities.  

Universal Credit is means tested. This means your household income and savings are counted in your claim. If you earn too much or have savings over £16,000 you won’t be able to claim. 

If you have a partner and live together, their income and savings will be taken into account and you’ll need to apply together. If they’re already receiving benefits, some of those might stop.

Our Benefits calculator will quickly give you an estimate of what you could get. It’s worth checking even if you don’t think you qualify, so you don’t miss out on vital income you’re eligible for.  

Universal Credit has replaced legacy benefits

These ‘legacy’ benefits have all been replaced by Universal Credit: 

• Child Tax Credit 
• Working Tax Credit  
• Income Support 
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 
• Housing Benefit  
• Income-related Employment Support Allowance – payments are continuing while claimants move over to Universal Credit.  

For more information and help: 

• speak to a free Universal Credit adviser 
• see our guide Moving to Universal Credit from legacy benefits. 

Who can claim Universal Credit?

Use our free Benefits calculator to see if you qualify for Universal Credit and find out how much you could get. It will also show you if you can claim other help and grants, like Child Benefit and money towards your heating bills.  

To be eligible for Universal Credit, you usually need to: 

• be 18 or over  

• be under State Pension age

• live in the UK 

• have under £16,000 in savings and investments

• earn less than a certain amount each month. 

There are exceptions, like being able to claim from age 16 if you have a disability, are leaving care or are responsible for a child.   

Universal Credit is available to prison leavers

If you’re about to leave prison in England and Wales there are a few things you can do before your release to make sure your claim goes smoothly and your first payment is as quick as possible. Before your release you will meet with staff from your resettlement team to discuss housing, finance, benefits and education. The week before release, the prison work coach will help you prepare your claim and will book your interview at the Jobcentre.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland you won't have access to a resettlement team. You should make your claim as soon as possible after your release. See our guides on How to apply for Universal Credit if you are in Scotland and How to apply for Universal Credit if you are in Northern Ireland for more details. 

Everyone can visit GOV.UK for an in-depth guide that will take you through the basics of how to make and manage a new Universal Credit claim, and how to find out if an advance payment is right for you.