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Universal Credit

Information about Universal Credit, a payment to help with your living costs

About Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly in arrears.

You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work.

If you already get other benefits

Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits:

  • Child Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Working Tax Credit

If you currently get any of these benefits, you do not need to do anything unless:

  • you have a change of circumstances you need to report
  • the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contacts you about moving to Universal Credit

Making a claim

Universal Credit is a digital service, claims are made and maintained online. For more information, or to make a claim, please visit the GOV.UK website.

If you get tax credits, they will stop when you or your partner applies for Universal Credit.

The helpful podcast for families with disabled children (by the charity Contact) explains how to claim Universal Credit.

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Work requirements for carers

Many full-time carers – but not all – on Universal Credit are exempt from having to meet any work-related requirements. This includes most carers providing 35 hours or more care per week to someone on a “qualifying disability benefit”:

  • The daily living component of PIP .
  • The care component of DLA at the middle or highest rate.

You’ll still need to sign a claimant commitment. But this document shouldn’t include any requirement that you look for work or training. Instead, it will only cover things like your responsibilities to notify any changes in your circumstances.

If you’re caring for someone who doesn’t get a qualifying disability benefit, you are likely to have to look for work. This includes where you are looking after someone awaiting a decision on a disability benefit claim.

Last updated: November 13, 2024

Next review due: May 13, 2025

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