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.
SEND information - part of our Local Offer
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.