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UK-wide

Universal Credit (UC)

Last verified: 4 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.

A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work, or cannot work. It can include amounts for housing, children, disability, and caring.

How much you could get

Universal Credit is paid monthly. Extra amounts can apply for housing, children, disability and caring. Earnings reduce the payment. Use the GOV.UK calculator for a personal estimate.

Figures below are for the 2026/27 tax year.

  • Standard allowance — single, under 25: £338.58 a month
  • Standard allowance — single, 25 or over: £424.90 a month
  • Standard allowance — couple, both under 25: £528.34 a month
  • Standard allowance — couple, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 a month

Check the current amount on the official page.

Who can claim

You usually need to live in the UK, be 18 or over (there are limited exceptions from 16), be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.

Eligibility conditions

These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.

  • You live in the UK.
  • You are usually 18 or over.
  • You are under State Pension age.
  • Your savings are usually £16,000 or less.

Check if Universal Credit may apply to you

It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.

When it may not apply

You are unlikely to get Universal Credit if you are over State Pension age (unless your partner is eligible), if you have more than £16,000 in savings, or if you are in full-time education without an exception.

Where you live

Universal Credit is available UK-wide, but the claim route can still differ across nations.

Browse benefits in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the A–Z list.

Can I claim Universal Credit if I work?

Yes, many people who work still get Universal Credit. It is designed to top up low earnings as well as to help people who are out of work. Earnings reduce the payment through a taper, and there is a work allowance if you have a child or limited capability for work. The official calculator on GOV.UK is the way to see the effect of a particular wage.

You can often get New Style JSA or New Style ESA at the same time as Universal Credit if you meet the National Insurance conditions. Other extra-cost benefits such as PIP, Adult Disability Payment, Attendance Allowance and Child Benefit are ignored as income for Universal Credit in the way GOV.UK describes — always confirm the live rules rather than assuming a pound-for-pound cut.

How to claim

  1. Create a Universal Credit account on GOV.UK. New claims are made online. You will need an email address, a mobile number, and to verify your identity. Couples usually need to claim jointly. Official page
  2. Have your details ready before you start. Typically: National Insurance number, bank or building society account, housing costs, income and savings, and details of anyone who lives with you. The GOV.UK checklist is the list to follow.
  3. Complete your declaration and attend any appointment. After you apply, the Department for Work and Pensions may ask you to prove your identity or attend a jobcentre appointment. Missing this can delay or close the claim.
  4. Report changes in your online journal. Pay, housing, children and work all affect Universal Credit. Use the official account to report changes rather than a third-party form.
Official claim pageOfficial information

Official sources

Replaces and replaced by

Universal Credit replaced Working Tax Credit.

Universal Credit replaced Child Tax Credit.

Universal Credit replaced Income Support.

Universal Credit replaced Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

Universal Credit replaced Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

Related benefits

See all income and work benefits.

What else you might claim

Source: Department for Work and Pensions. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.

Check if this may apply to you

It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.