Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a working age benefit to help with living and housing costs.

Coronavirus update: If your finances have been affected by the outbreak and you need support, the Government has issued the following advice: Coronavirus and claiming benefits. You may also have become eligible for Council Tax Support.
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Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits:

• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support

It is available to those who are of working age on low income, not working due to illness, disability or have caring commitments.

If the above does not apply to you, you may be eligible to claim Housing Benefit.

As of February 1 2019, the number of children you have does not affect your eligibility for Universal Credit, but it may affect how much you get.

Severe disability premium

From Wednesday 27^th January 2021 customers claiming Severe Disability Premium will no longer be able to make a new claim for Housing Benefit and will be eligible to claim Universal Credit instead.

Mixed age couples

From 15 May 2019, mixed age couples (where one party of the couple is over Pension Credit qualifying age and the other under that age) will no longer be able to choose whether they claim Universal Credit or Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit.

Find more info about Universal Credit and mixed age couples at GOV.UK