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.
- Last reviewed 21 September 2023
What is Universal Credit (UC)?
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of working age who are on a low income.
It is payable whether or not you're in 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.
It replaces six means-tested benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit.
The above six benefits are also known as legacy benefits.
Universal Credit is paid monthly. In Scotland, you can choose to have it paid twice a month. Outside of Scotland, you can ask for it to be paid twice monthly but this might be refused.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) works out how much money you get in two steps:
- It works out what it thinks you should need to live on, based on your household’s circumstances, then
- It takes away some of the income you have coming in from the amount of Universal Credit it gives you.
Already claiming legacy benefits?
In most of the UK, you don’t need to do anything if you are already claiming existing legacy benefits and your situation stays the same. If you have had a change of circumstance, see Switching from other benefits. In some parts of the UK, people are being moved to Universal Credit. If you get a letter telling you your existing benefits are ending and you need to claim Universal Credit, it is important to make a claim for Universal Credit. Read more information in our guide Universal Credit Migration Notice.
Applies to: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Type of benefit: Means tested
Taxable: No
Administered by: Department for Work and Pensions
Was this page helpful?
Tell us the problem
*Required
Thank you
Thank you for your feedback. If you would like to tell us more, please visit our contact us page.
Check benefit entitlement
Find out what means-tested benefits you might be entitled to, including tax credits.
Grants Search
Search our database of grant-giving organisations.
Find an adviser
Search for advice and support services near you.