Universal Credit is a payment that helps with living costs while you are unemployed or on a low income. You can also receive UC if you have a disability or health condition that prevents you from working. UC has replaced the following benefits:
Housing benefits
Income support
Income related ESA
Income based JSA
If you currently receive those benefits you will continue to do so unless your circumstances change or you receive a letter telling you to move over to Universal Credit.
Criteria
To be able to claim universal credit you must meet the following criteria:
- Live in the UK
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be under state pension age
- Have less than £16,000 in savings or investments
How much is it worth?
You will receive a standard rate for universal credit as shown in the table below. You may be eligible to receive extra payments depending on your circumstances. For a full list of circumstances that affect how much you get and how much you receive under those circumstances please see the government website.
| Monthly Standard Amount | |
|---|---|
| If you are single and under the age of 25 | £316.98 |
| If you are single and are 25 years or older | £400.14 |
| If you live with your partner and are under the age of 25 | £497.55 (for both of you) |
| If you live with your partner and are 25 years or older | £628.10 (for both of you) |
How to apply
Apply for Universal Credit online through the government website. If you need help applying call the Universal Credit Helpline at 0800 328 5644 or use citizen’s advice help to claim site linked below.
Need more information?
Do you need more information regarding Universal Credit? Have a look at the following links to the government and the RNIB websites.
Government website
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
RNIB website
