Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), through your local Jobcentre Plus. It is a single monthly payment for people out of work or on a low income replacing six other benefits.
Are you currently receiving benefits or tax credits?
The following benefits are ending and are being replaced by Universal Credit:
- tax credits: working tax credit and child tax credit
- housing benefit
- income support
- income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
- income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
Other benefits, such as personal independence payment (PIP), will stay the same.
You will soon receive a 'Migration Notice' letter outlining what you will need to do to continue receiving financial support and how to claim Universal Credit. You must apply within three months from the date the letter was sent out.
If you want some help with your Universal Credit application or you’re concerned about managing your income until you receive your first Universal Credit payment, there are different types of support available.
If you cannot claim Universal Credit by the deadline date, you should contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline as soon as possible.
How to apply
Budgeting advice
Benefits calculator
Get help with making a Universal Credit application
Need financial help while you wait for your first payment?
If you need help to pay your bills or cover other costs while you wait for your first Universal Credit payment, you can apply get an advance on your first payment.
Are you entitled to council tax support?
If you are claiming Universal Credit for the first time and you are required to pay council tax you must make a separate online application for council tax support.
