Am I eligible for Universal Credit?
Your eligibility relies on a number of factors. View a breakdown of these factors here.
Your eligibility relies on a number of factors. You may be able to get Universal Credit if you:
- Are on a low income or out of work.
- Are 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17).
- Are under Pension Credit qualifying age (or your partner is) — View our page on Pension Credit here.
- You and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you.
- Live in the UK (there are other criteria you need to meet if you’re not a British citizen).
- Have less than £16,000 in savings.
- The number of children you have doesn’t affect your eligibility for Universal Credit, but it may affect how much you get.
You can also get Universal Credit if you are unable to work because of a disability, illness or because you are caring for a family member. However, you can’t get it if you’re already getting a benefit with Severe Disability Premium.
Usually, you won’t eligible if you’re in full-time education or training, however, there are some exceptions to the rule.
Find out more about eligibility on the Government’s Universal Credit website.
If you’re not eligible for Universal Credit, use a benefits calculator like this one to check what benefits you may be entitled to.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a single payment to help with your living costs, if you are on a low income of out of work. It will eventually replace six of the existing welfare benefits that will be phased out.
How do I claim Universal Credit?
You may feel like you’re on another planet when it comes to understanding Universal Credit – we’ll bring you back down to Earth.
How will I be paid Universal Credit?
In the future you will receive one Universal Credit payment, which will be paid directly to you, or jointly to you and your partner (if you have one)