In Scotland, you can choose to have it paid twice a month instead.
If you鈥檙e on a low income or out of work, you may be able to claim universal credit.
Here鈥檚 our guide to help you understand how to apply and how much you might get.1
Universal credit was brought in to replace:
If you already receive any of these, you won't need to do anything, unless:
Find out how to apply for universal credit on the . If you live in Northern Ireland, you'll need to go to . You鈥檒l also need check you鈥檙e .
To apply online, you鈥檒l need:
You鈥檒l also need details of the following:
You鈥檒l also need proof of identity, such as:
You can't claim universal credit if you're also entitled to the severe disability premium or have been within the last month.
As well as applying online, you can also call the universal credit helpline or go to the job centre.
Universal credit payments vary because there鈥檚 a standard allowance per household, plus other elements you may, or may not, be eligible for. These include housing, childcare and disability.
Find out on GOV.UK.
Universal credit is paid in arrears, but you can apply for an advance payment if you don鈥檛 have enough to live on while you wait.
Your payment may be reduced if you have more than 拢6,000 in money, savings and investments. If you鈥檙e under state pension age, the amount saved in your pension pot won鈥檛 affect how much universal credit you鈥檙e entitled to.
You might be able to apply for , including alternative payment arrangements, or a budgeting advance.
The also has details of how to get help with things like:
You could also be missing out on other benefits, which you may be entitled to.
