Universal Credit is a new benefit that you can only get in some parts of the UK. If you’re living in a Universal Credit area, you might need to apply for Universal Credit instead of other existing benefits like Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit or Tax Credits etc.
It’s mainly available to people who are unemployed or earn less than £338 a month – but you can get it in some other circumstances.
If you live in a Universal Credit area, to be eligible for Universal Credit, you must currently:
- expect to earn less than £338 (after tax) in the next month
- be between 18 years old and 60 years and 6 months old
- be a British citizen (non-British citizens can apply in some places)
- have a National Insurance number
- have less than £6,000 in savings or other investments – eg shares, or property that you don’t live in.
If you live with your partner, you usually both need to be eligible. You’ll need to:
- live at the same address (you don’t have to be married or civil partners to apply)
- expect to earn less than £541 (after tax) combined in the next month
- have less than £6,000 in savings or other investments between you.
Full details of how to check your eligibility are on the Citizens’ Advice Website
