Universal Credit is an income-based, working age benefit, which you can claim if you are out of work or on a low income.
It replaces the following benefits and tax credits with one single monthly payment:
- Housing Benefit
- Job Seekers (Income Based)
- Employment Support Allowance (Income related)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
Find out more at GOV.UK: Universal Credit.
Eligibility
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you:
- are on a low income, whether in or out of work
- are aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- are under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
- live in the UK
The amount you get will vary depending on your circumstances, what income you or your partner may have, any savings above £6000, other people in your household, any health issues or caring responsibilities and your housing costs.
Advance payment
If you do not think you’ll have enough money to live on between applying and receiving your first payment of Universal Credit you can request an advance payment.
The advance payment is a loan and is repayable over the next 24 assessment periods, but you will not need to pay any interest.
Find out more at GOV.UK: Universal Credit Advance Payment.
Other benefits
Being entitled to Universal Credit can also open to doors to other benefit such as following: