Universal Credit

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a benefit payment for people in or out of work.

It replaces some of the benefits and tax credits you might be getting now:

Housing Benefit.

Child Tax Credit.

Income Support.

Working Tax Credit.

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

If you live in England or Wales and get help with your rent, this will be included in your monthly payment – you’ll then pay your landlord directly.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland rent can be paid directly to your landlord or you can choose to pay it yourself.

If you live with someone as a couple and you are both entitled to claim UC, you will get a joint payment paid into a single bank account.

UC is paid in arrears so it can take up to five weeks after you make your claim to get your first payment.

There are no limits on how many hours a week you can work if you’re claiming UC. Instead, the amount you get will gradually reduce as you earn more, so you won’t lose all your benefits at once.

You usually have to make your claim online.