What is Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you are 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 

Severe disability premium 

You cannot claim Universal Credit if you either: 

If you have a change of circumstances that affects the severe disability premium or your other benefits, report it and you will be told what to do next.

Sign in

Sign in to your Universal Credit account (external link) if you already have one.