What is Universal Credit (UC)?
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of working-age who are on a low income.
It replaces six existing means-tested benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
The above six benefits are also known as legacy benefits.
Universal Credit is paid on a monthly basis. How much money you will get is worked out in two steps. First the DWP works out what it thinks you should need to live on, based on your household’s circumstances. Next it takes away some of the income you have coming in.
You don’t need to do anything if you are already claiming existing legacy benefits and your situation stays the same.
Applies to: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Type of benefit: Means tested
Taxable: No
Administered by: Department for Work and Pensions
Updated: June 2019