Universal Credit

Who it's for

Universal Credit is for people on a low income or who are out of work, whether employed, self-employed or unemployed. It replaces six older benefits, including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit, for most new claims.

• You (and your partner, if you have one) are on a low income or out of work
• You're 18 or over (some exceptions from 16 apply)
• You're under State Pension age
• You and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings and investments combined
• You live in the UK

What you may get (2026/27 rates)

Universal Credit is built from a standard allowance plus any extra elements you qualify for, such as help with children, housing costs, disability or caring responsibilities.

• Single, under 25: £338.58 a month
• Single, 25 or over: £424.90 a month
• Couple, both under 25: £528.34 a month (joint claim)
• Couple, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 a month (joint claim)
• These are standard allowance figures only — housing, child, disability and carer elements are added on top where they apply

Savings and capital

If you and your partner have over £16,000 in savings and investments combined, you generally cannot get Universal Credit. Between £6,000 and £16,000, your award is reduced — this is sometimes called the savings taper.

How it's paid

Universal Credit is usually paid monthly in arrears into a bank, building society or credit union account. In Scotland, claimants can choose to be paid twice a month instead.