What is Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a government benefit provided to people of working age (over 18 but below state pension age) who are on a low income or out of work. It is means-tested, so your eligibility is affected by your income, savings and immigration status.
Universal Credit is usually deposited on a monthly basis and will consist of a basic allowance, plus any extra payments if you meet certain criteria (for example, if you look after a child or children).
Take our quiz to see if you are eligible, or read on for more information on how to apply for Universal Credit.
Applying for Universal Credit
You can apply on the government website. You will need access to an email address, a phone, and evidence of your ID, earnings, and income (see our evidence checklist).
You will be prompted to create an account, by entering a username and password and setting up two security questions, which will be used if you forget your login details. Please keep your login details safe. You will need them each time you log into your Universal Credit account.
Once you have activated your account, you have 28 days to make a claim. If you don’t make a claim during this time, you will need to set up a new account and start again.
If you have a partner
If you live with someone as a couple, you will need to make a joint claim. To do this, both of you need to create your own individual accounts. The first person to apply will be provided with a linking code, which the second person will be prompted to enter when they apply.
If you have a disability
If you have a disability or long-term health condition, you will be required to take an additional assessment of your physical and mental health. This will be used to conclude whether you have limited capacity for work. Based on this assessment, you may receive an extra payment each month, including Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
We recommend disability charity Scope for more detail on how the different types of disability benefits work.
If you are a carer
If you are providing care for at least 35 hours per week for a disabled adult or child, you may be entitled to claim Carer’s Allowance. Find more information on Carer’s Allowance, and the current rate of pay, on the Carer’s UK website.
If you work and have children
If you use approved childcare while you work, you may be entitled to the childcare costs element of Universal Credit. If eligible, 85% of your childcare costs will be covered up to a maximum amount. Check the government website for the latest figures on how much money you could be entitled to.
Tips for making a claim
Check your emails and phone regularly and don't provide contact details that are not yours. You can choose to receive communication from the DWP via email or phone, and it's important that you are able to promptly read and respond to any messages you receive.
Don't under-declare your earnings or savings. If you provide inaccurate or incomplete information, you risk having to pay back any money you receive.
Do notify the DWP about changes to your personal circumstances. Once you have made your claim, you must be ready to notify the DWP if your circumstances or contact details change. Failure to do so can result in suspension of your Universal Credit or in overpayment, which you will have to pay back.
Don't give your ID or bank details to unverified callers or via Facebook. Some scammers pretend to be from the JobCentre or DWP. They may offer to make a claim on your behalf and ask for your bank and ID details. Be careful! Save the DWP's number (0800 023 2635) in your phone book, so you know when they are calling.
Don't rely on other people to access your Universal Credit account. To avoid scams and to protect your personal information, make sure you are in control of your account.
After you apply
After you make a claim keep an eye on your emails and phone. You may receive a call to verify your identity, or be asked to attend an interview at your local JobCentre. Even after you receive Universal Credit, it's very important to monitor your phone and emails. You may be asked to update your details or submit more evidence, using your online journal.
When you submit your claim, there is usually a one-month assessment period during which you may be asked to provide additional evidence. After this, if you are eligible, you should receive your first payment within seven days.
What you can get
How much you're entitled to depends on your circumstances. Anyone eligible will be granted a 'basic' allowance. This varies based on your age and household circumstances.
If you make a joint claim with a partner that you live with, the age of the youngest person will be taken into account when calculating your payment, and a single payment will be made into one bank account.
There is a maximum amount you can claim on Universal Credit, this is called the benefit cap. This applies to most people aged 16 or over who have not reached State Pension age. Check the government website for the latest figures on how much money you could be entitled to.
Maintaining your Universal Credit account
It is good practice to be active in using your Universal Credit account. You should use it to:
- Record the actions you have taken as specified in your 'claimant commitment', such as looking for work.
- Communicate with your work coach.
- Record childcare costs.
- Report a change in circumstances, such as a new job or a new address.
- Record of everything you have done on your To-do list. It can also be used to send messages to your work coach. Tasks that you need to complete will appear on this list, and when you have completed them they will move to your 'journal'.
If your payments seem wrong, take action. It is important to alert someone straight away, using your journal or calling 0800 328 5644.