What is Universal Credit?

For anyone on a low income, out of work or unable to work who wants to understand Universal Credit.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work or cannot work.

It has replaced tax credits, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support.
It is also replacing Housing Benefit and income-related ESA.
It is made up of a standard allowance, from £338.58 to £666.97 a month in 2026/27, plus extra amounts for things like children and rent.
It is paid once a month, or twice a month for some people in Scotland.

Different in Northern Ireland

Universal Credit is run separately and is normally paid twice a month.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Paid monthly
Single 25+: £424.90 a month
For working and not working
Replaced tax credits

What Universal Credit is

Universal Credit is one payment that helps with your living costs. It is for people of working age who are on a low income, out of work, or cannot work because of a health condition. It is run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

It brought several older benefits together into one. Tax credits, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support have already ended and been replaced by Universal Credit. Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are also being replaced, with some exceptions such as supported or temporary housing.

If you get the older benefits, you may get a Migration Notice letter telling you to move to Universal Credit by a deadline.

Who it is for

In general you must:

live in the UK
be 18 or over (some 16 and 17 year olds can claim)
be under State Pension age
have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments

You can claim whether you are working, out of work or unable to work. Couples who live together make one joint claim.

How much it is (2026/27)

Universal Credit is built from parts. Everyone gets a standard allowance, then extra amounts are added for your situation.

Standard allowance	Per month
Single, under 25	£338.58
Single, 25 or over	£424.90
Couple, both under 25	£528.34
Couple, one or both 25 or over	£666.97

Extra amounts can be added for:

children (£303.94 a month for each child, or £351.88 for a first child born before 6 April 2017)
a disabled child
a health condition that limits your ability to work
caring for a disabled person
childcare costs
housing costs such as rent

The amount then goes down if you earn money (by 55p for every £1), have savings over £6,000, or have other income.

How it is paid

It is paid once a month, usually into your bank, building society or credit union account.
Each month is called an assessment period. Your payment is worked out again every month, so it can go up or down.
Your first payment usually takes around 5 weeks.
Couples get one payment for the household.
If your payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, you are paid on the working day before.

How to apply

You apply online on GOV.UK. If you cannot, call the free helpline on 0800 328 5644. You must finish your claim within 28 days of starting it.

Things to know

You keep other benefits such as PIP or Carer's Allowance, but some benefits can lower your Universal Credit.
You may need to agree a claimant commitment, a list of things you agree to do, such as looking for work.
Report changes, such as a new job or moving home, through your online account.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

Scotland: you can choose to be paid once or twice a month.
Northern Ireland: Universal Credit is run separately. It is normally paid twice a month, and help with rent is paid straight to your landlord. Check nidirect.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Claim Universal Credit

Common questions

Can I get Universal Credit if I work?

Yes. You can claim if you are working, including part time or self-employed, as well as if you are out of work.

Does Universal Credit affect PIP or Carer's Allowance?

You keep other benefits like PIP or Carer's Allowance, but some benefits can reduce your Universal Credit.

How long until I get my first payment?

It usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first payment.

Official sources

1.Universal Credit (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/universal-credit
2.Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/guidance/move-to-universal-credit-if-you-get-a-migration-notice-letter
3.Universal Credit: what you'll get (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/universal-credit/what-youll-get
4.How much Universal Credit you get and how you're paid (nidirect)www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/how-much-universal-credit-you-get-and-how-youre-paid
5.Universal Credit: eligibility (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/universal-credit/eligibility
6.Universal Credit: how you're paid (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-youre-paid

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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