Universal Credit

You may be able to get UC if:

• you are on a low income or out of work
• you are aged 18 or over (or 16 or over in certain cases)
• you are not in full-time education or training – unless exceptions apply, such as you get Personal Independence Payment and cannot work because of ill-health
• you are under State Pension age (or your partner is)
• you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
• you live in the UK.

If you live with someone as a couple, you must both make an online claim. The claims will be linked. This is called making a joint claim. Both of your savings and incomes are looked at. You get a single monthly payment for your whole household.

Before you make a claim for UC, you should apply for any contribution-based benefits you may be able to get. You can get more information about this from a money adviser.

If you have a terminal illness, you can claim under special rules. This means your claim should be fast-tracked and you will get extra money. We have more information about special rules.

You can find more information about who can claim at GOV.UK

You must accept an agreement called a claimant commitment unless you are terminally ill. This is a record of the responsibilities you will have if you get UC. When you apply, you will have a conversation with a work coach at your local Jobcentre Plus. If you agree, the work coach will write your claimant commitment during this conversation. 

You may want to speak to your health or social care professional for advice before meeting with your work coach.

The claimant commitment is based on your individual situation. For example, you may currently have a limited ability to work, but are expected to get better. Your claimant commitment might say you should prepare for work as much as you can.

You will then be put into a limited capability for work (LCW) group. This is sometimes called a conditionality group. Each group includes activities you must do to prepare for work.

If you are too unwell to work at all, you will not be expected to prepare for work.

You should make sure you are referred for a work capability assessment.

You should ask to be placed in the LCW or LCWRA group if you are having or recovering from chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

If you do not keep to your claimant commitment, your benefit could be stopped or reduced. It is important to make sure the agreement reflects what you can and cannot do.

You can apply for UC online at GOV.UK.

You can also apply by calling the Universal Credit helpline:

• In England, Scotland and Wales, call 0800 328 5644 or 0800 328 1744 for Welsh language. Or use textphone 0800 328 1344.
• In Northern Ireland, call 0800 012 1331 or use textphone 0800 012 1441.

It helps to provide as much information as you can, such as:

• your bank, building society or credit union account details
• an email address
• details of your income, savings, investments, housing and any childcare costs
• details of your health condition.

Once you have applied, you usually meet with a work coach at your local Jobcentre Plus. This must be arranged within 7 days. If you cannot attend the appointment because of your condition or treatment, it is important to let them know. This is so your claim is not cancelled.

You also need to provide proof of identity. You can do this through the online application process or at your appointment. For example, you can confirm your identity by showing your passport or driving licence.

We have more information on what you need to apply for Universal Credit and how to claim.

You can ask a money adviser to help with your claim. We have information on how to prepare for a call with our money advisers.

If you are eligible for UC, you can get help paying for your housing. This is called a housing element or payment. You may be able to get help with:

• your rent
• some service charges
• interest payments on your mortgage, if you or your partner own the property you live in.

Housing Benefit, the housing element of UC or a Support for Mortgage Interest loan can help with these costs.

UC has replaced Housing Benefit in most circumstances, although there are some exceptions.