Universal Credit (UC) - How will I be paid Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit payment for people of working-age who are on a low income, out of work or can't work.
- Last reviewed 25 February 2026
Universal Credit can be paid monthly or twice monthly, depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
It will take at least five weeks for you to receive your first payment. Once you make your claim, there is a one-month A monthly period starting on the day you first make your Universal Credit claim. See full definition and then payments are made seven days after the A monthly period starting on the day you first make your Universal Credit claim. See full definition .
You can find more information about the five week wait and what help you can get in our Waiting for your first payment guide.
How payments work in different locations
Universal Credit will be paid monthly into one bank account or another account nominated by each household. If you cannot get any kind of bank account, you may be able to get paid through the Payment Exception Service.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need control of some of the household income, you can ask for Universal Credit payments to be split between your account and your partner's account.
For most people, your Universal Credit payment will include money for your rent and it is up to you to make sure you pay that rent to your landlord. If you are worried you might struggle to do this, you can ask for the money to be paid direct to your landlord instead.
Universal Credit will be paid monthly or (if you prefer) twice a month into one bank account or another account nominated by each household. If you cannot get any kind of bank account, you may be able to get paid through the Payment Exception Service.
Universal Credit will be paid into one bank account or another account nominated by each household.
Universal Credit will be paid twice monthly into one bank account or another account nominated by each household. However you can request that its paid once per month.
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