Universal Credit (UC) - Can I get Universal Credit (UC)?

If you have a partner, you will make a joint claim as a couple.

If one of you doesn't meet the eligibility conditions, that person will be ignored for the purposes of calculating the Universal Credit maximum amount - although their savings/capital and earnings will still be taken into account. 

If you live with a partner and one of you is over pension age and one is under, you can claim Universal Credit. However, you might have other options too. Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to see all your options. 

Use Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Most people with illnesses or disabilities can claim Universal Credit. You could get extra money on top of your standard Universal Credit. 

Some aged 16 or 17 years could claim Universal Credit. You can learn more at our page on claiming benefits as a young person.

If you want to know more about your benefit entitlement and speak to someone, please get help from a professional advice service. You can use the Turn2us Find an Adviser tool to find a local adviser. 

Universal Credit is usually only paid to people of working age and is not a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age. You would normally claim Pension Credit instead of Universal Credit. 

Some people above State Pension age were asked to apply for Universal Credit during the managed migration process. This happened if one person in a couple was over State Pension age and the other person was of working age. In that case, they needed to claim Universal Credit together. 

You can use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to find out which benefits you can get.

Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator

If you're in the armed forces and living in another country, you can still get Universal Credit. You'll need to use a specific address when you apply.

Read more about Universal Credit for armed forces personnel posted overseas on the GOV.UK.