Universal Credit

A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income or out of work. Eligibility depends on your immigration status.

Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

Official links

Show links for:

Official source	Applies to
GOV.UK: Universal Credit www.gov.uk/universal-credit	England, Wales, Scotland
nidirect: Universal Credit www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/universal-credit	Northern Ireland

Runs Universal Credit, State Pension, disability benefits and Jobcentre Plus, and issues National Insurance numbers.

If you already get other benefits, use a benefits calculator first: they may stop when you claim and you cannot go back to them.
Create an account online and finish your claim within 28 days, or you will have to start again. If you live with a partner, you both need an account and claim together.
Prove your identity online or at an appointment if asked.
Go to the meeting to agree your Claimant Commitment. You get your first payment only after this.
Check your online journal regularly. The first payment usually takes around 5 weeks; you can ask for an advance if you need money before.

Bank, building society or credit union account details, an email address and a phone
Identity documents such as your passport, driving licence, debit or credit card, payslip or P60
Details of your rent or housing costs and your earnings
Your National Insurance number, if you have one
Details of your savings, investments and childcare costs

Claiming without checking if you are better off, and losing other benefits you already had.
Not finishing the claim within 28 days of creating the account.
Sharing bank details in your journal, by phone, text or email: you will never be asked for them that way.