Universal Credit

If you're out of work or on a low income you may qualify for Universal Credit on GOV.UK.

Universal Credit is a monthly payment available through GOV.UK to help with your living costs. For more full details and to make a claim visit Universal Credit on GOV.UK

Who can apply

You can apply if you're:

  • out of work
  • on a low income
  • self employed
  • unable to work due to a health condition or disability

You can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator on GOV.UK to check what you might be entitled to.

Legacy benefits

These are benefits that are gradually being replaced by Universal Credit.

This means people of working age cannot make a new claim for any of the following legacy benefits:

  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit

If you get Housing Benefit

If you already get Housing Benefit and do not need to make a new application for any of legacy benefits, you will not need to apply for Universal Credit until the Department for Work and Pensions contact you.