The following information gives you a brief explanation of Universal Credit, including when it is coming in, who it applies to and where to find further support and information. After each section, there is a link to our more detailed guide to Universal Credit.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a new government benefit replacing six working age and income-related benefits, called 'legacy benefits'.
More details on what is Universal Credit?
Who will be able to get Universal Credit?
The reasons for getting Universal Credit are similar to those for the 'legacy benefits' that it is replacing. For example, having no or little income and being in various situations, such as being too ill to work, in work, unemployed, a lone parent, a carer, or needing help with rent or mortgage payments. However, other rules and the amounts may differ. Universal Credit is usually paid to one person in the family. It is a ‘working age’ benefit. Those who have reached 'pension age' may be able to claim Pension Credit and Housing Benefit instead.
More details on who is able to get Universal Credit
How much is Universal Credit?
The amount you get depends on your circumstances such as being single, in a couple, having children, a disability, are working and have housing costs like rent. This total amount may be reduced by certain incomes you may have, such as earnings. The amount may be increased for carers, children with disability or those with certain levels of incapacity for work. The amount will also change as your income changes. For example, your payment will reduce gradually as you earn more. The amount can also be reduced for various reasons, such as the benefit cap.
More details on how much is Universal Credit
How to claim and manage Universal Credit?
You have to claim and manage your Universal Credit online.
This includes notifying any changes in circumstances online and also Jobcentre Plus notifying you electronically of any actions you have to take. Remember, you must do these actions or you may lose money. You can also phone the Jobcentre for help there is support for people who have difficulties with claiming online. See Extra help and support under Universal Credit.
Once you have claimed Universal Credit online you will be invited to an interview with a Work Coach at your local Jobcentre Plus office to verify your information and discuss any appropriate work-related activity, which includes agreeing your ‘Claimant Commitment’.
More details on How to claim and Manage Universal Credit
How is Universal Credit paid?
If you need help with housing costs, such as rent, this will normally be paid with your Universal Credit payment. In limited circumstances it can be paid directly to your landlord for a temporary period. You are expected to have a bank account or similar for Universal Credit. Universal Credit is paid one month in arrears. It can mean waiting for five weeks or more for your first payment. If this causes hardship, you can claim an ‘advanced payment’ of Universal Credit. After six months on Universal Credit you can also claim a ‘budgeting advance’ to help with furniture and other one-off costs. Both payments are loans and deducted from your future Universal Credit payments.
More details on How is Universal Credit paid?
How Universal Credit affects those not in full time work (work related requirements)?
To get Universal Credit you and any partner may have to take part in ‘work-related activity’, such as looking and applying for work. The level of activity depends on various circumstances and is decided when you agree your Claimant Commitment and at ongoing interviews. Even if you are working you may be expected to do such activity, depending on the level of your earnings. These work-related requirements have to be ‘reasonable’, but if you fail to comply, your Universal Credit can be reduced for a certain length of time (called a sanction)
More details on How Universal Credit affects those not in full time work
Universal Credit and Volunteering
We have produced an information guide describing the rules for volunteering under Universal Credit guidance on Universal Credit and Volunteering
More details on Universal Credit and volunteering set up link to the full version
Other benefits, help and general rules
Universal Credit is replacing six benefits but others continue to be paid and interact in various ways with Universal Credit.
All other benefits continue, including contribution based JSA, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, disability benefits, pension age benefits and many others.
You may be entitled to a free school meals and help towards health costs if you are on Universal Credit.
As with other benefits you can challenge a Universal Credit decision if you don’t agree with it. See Appeals Pack
More details on other benefits and general rules
Extra help and support under Universal Credit
Some people may have serious difficulties with the way that Universal Credit is paid and claimed, such as being paid monthly, in arrears and to one person in a couple, with housing costs being paid to the claimant and having to claim Universal Credit online. In recognition of this the government allow temporary easements, such as the housing costs being paid direct to the landlord and are also working with local authorities to support people, such as online claim support and personal budgeting support. The Scottish Government have secured changes that make these options easier to obtain. See Scottish Choices
For those supporting Universal Credit claimants there is guidance on permission to speak to the Jobcentre Plus on their behalf.
More details on help and support under Universal Credit
- Will my benefit go up or down when I transfer to Universal Credit?
- If you have to claim Universal Credit and it is lower than the benefits it is replacing, you will usually drop down to the level of Universal Credit
- From about 2019 or 2023 those still on 'legacy benefits' will be moved to Universal Credit. In which case you will keep the higher amount as a top up to your Universal Credit
- If Universal Credit is higher, in either case you will get the higher amount of Universal Credit
Please note much of this will depend on your individual circumstances.