Universal Credit (UC) - What is Universal Credit (UC)?

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of working age who are on a low income.

You can get this payment whether you are working, out of work or not able to work.

It can include amounts for housing, the costs of raising children, disability, or being a carer. Which of these you will get depends on your circumstances.

Universal Credit is usually paid once a month. In Scotland you can choose to get it in two parts each month. In Northern Ireland, it is normally paid in two parts but you can ask to get it once a month instead. In the rest of the UK, you can ask to get it in two parts but this might not be allowed.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) works out how much Universal Credit you can get in two steps:

1. They work out how much money your household is entitled to, based on your household's circumstances.
2. Then they take away some of the amount of Universal Credit it gives you if you already have other income.

Universal Credit is replacing six means-tested benefits ( legacy benefits ):

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Housing Benefit (England, Scotland and Wales) / Housing Benefit (Northern Ireland)
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

Moving to Universal Credit from a legacy benefit

The above legacy benefits will end at the end of March 2026 and Universal Credit will be the main working age benefit. If you get a letter telling you that your existing benefits are ending and you need to claim Universal Credit, it is important to make a claim on time to continue getting financial support.

Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

Type of benefit: Means-tested benefit

Taxable: No

Administered by: Department for Work and Pensions