Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people of working age who are on low income or out of work. How much you’ll get depends on your circumstances, including your income and how many children you have.
It is a means-tested, non-taxable benefit to cover basic living expenses. There are additional amounts if you are unable to work due to sickness or disability, for carers, children, and help towards rent and housing costs.
Universal Credit is a benefit managed online and claimed via Universal Credit online. Whilst it is designed to be claimed online there is provision to make a claim by telephone or face-to-face. You can request assistance from a local Jobcentre Plus office or by calling the UC helpline. If you need extra support to cope with online claims and other issues, the Government funds the ‘Help to claim’ service at Citizens Advice offices.
Universal Credit is paid once a month, usually into your bank, building society or credit union account. If you’re not able to open a bank, building society or credit union account, call the Universal Credit helpline to arrange a different way of getting paid.
It usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first payment. If you need help with your living costs while you wait for your first payment, you can apply for an advance
You will need to apply for the Council Tax Support separately.
The wait before your first payment, is made up of a one month assessment period and up to
7 days for the payment to reach your account.
The amount you get depends on your circumstances such as;
- being single
- a couple
- having children
- a disability
- working
- having housing costs like rent.
This total amount may be reduced by certain incomes you may have, such as earnings. The amount may be increased for;
- carers
- children with disability
- those with certain levels of incapacity for work.