Universal Credit (UC) is the main benefit for working-age people. It's now in place for most new benefit claims across the UK, replacing old ‘legacy benefits’ such as Income Support and Working Tax Credits. You may be able to get UC if you’re on a low income, out of work or unable to work.
How is Universal Credit paid?
UC is a single amount paid to a household. For a couple living together, the circumstances of both people are taken into account. Payments go into one bank account. For a couple, this can be a single or joint account, depending on what you agree together.
In England and Wales, UC is paid monthly.
In Scotland, you may be able to choose if you are paid once or twice a month. You can also choose to have the housing costs element paid direct to a landlord.
In Northern Ireland, you are normally paid twice a month. You can ask to be paid once a month.
New Universal Credit claims and advance payments
Your first payment should be made within five weeks. You can apply for an advance payment, which is repaid from future payments.
To request an advance payment while you wait for your first UC payment, apply through your online account. The amount you get will depend on your full UC payment and how much you can afford to pay back. The repayments are taken from your monthly payments over a period of up to 24 months.
How much are Universal Credit payments?
Each UC payment is made up of a standard allowance, plus any extra amounts that apply to you. These include extra help with rent and childcare. You can work while on UC, and each month you have to declare changes in your income, such as wages or childcare costs. The amount you are paid will vary depending on your circumstances that month. Use a benefits calculator to check how much you could get. You can find out more on the government website.
From April 2026, the standard monthly allowances are:
- Single and under 25: £338.58.
- Single and 25 or over: £424.90.
- Living with partner, both under 25: £528.34 for both.
- Living with partner, either over 25: £666.97 for both.
Extra amounts of Universal Credit
If you're responsible for children who live with you
You may get an extra monthly amount:
- If you have one child: born on or after 6 April 2017: £303.94. Child born before 6 April 2017: £351.88.
- For your second and subsequent child: £303.94.
- If you have a child with a disability: £164.79 extra.
- If you have a child with a severe disability: £514.71 extra.
You may also be able to claim help with up to 85% of your childcare costs if you are working. This is capped at £1,071.09 a month
for one child and £1,836.18 for two children or more. See the government's Universal Credit what you'll get webpage for advice.
People with limited capacity to work due to a disability or health condition
You may get an extra monthly amount:
- If you have limited capability for work and work-related activity: £217.26. The amount is £429.80, if you claimed prior to April 2026, have severe health conditions or are terminally ill.
- If you have limited capability for work and you started health-related UC or ESA before April 3, 2017: £158.76.
People who care for someone who gets a health or disability-related benefit
You may get an extra monthly amount:
- If you provide care for at least 35 hours per week: £209.34.
How do I claim Universal Credit?
Visit the government's webpage on Universal Credit to apply. You will need a bank account and email address.
If you do not have internet access, or you have a problem with your online account, call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644. If you cannot hear or speak on the phone dial 18001 then 0800 328 5644.
Get individual help with a Universal Credit claim
Citizens Advice’s Help to Claim scheme provides individual advice and help with claiming. You can also call their free phone service: England: 0800 144 8444, Scotland: 0800 023 2581, Wales: 08000 241 220.
Age UK can also offer advice over the phone. Call the helpline on 0800 678 1602.
Help with housing costs
You can apply for housing payments in your UC online account. The amount of housing payment you may get depends on your rent and other circumstances. You may be able to get help with rent in social housing or privately-rented accommodation. If you live in your own home, you might be able to get help with service charges or mortgage interest. See the government's housing and Universal Credit webpage for information.
Budgeting Advance
A Budgeting Advance is a loan to help people on UC with one-off emergency costs, such as replacing a washing machine or moving house.
It’s available if you've been claiming UC for six months or more, with earnings below a set amount. It is repaid through your monthly UC payments within 24 months. You can apply in your UC account or by contacting your local Jobcentre Plus work coach.
What you can borrow:
- Single people: up to £348.
- Couple: up to £464.
- If you have children: up to £812.
Advice on budgeting
The Money Helper website offers advice about claiming UC and budgeting.
Financial abuse
If you’re claiming UC as a couple, it’s important to make plans for your family finances together. Sometimes, problems can arise, for example, if someone tries to use money to control their partner. They might spend the money on alcohol or gambling instead of paying bills. If this happens, it’s financial abuse.
If you’re worried about your partner misusing the money, you can ask for payments to be split. Call the Universal
Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644. If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, dial 18001 then 0800 328 5644.
Help with financial and domestic abuse
Women can get support from Refuge online or by phoning 0808 200 0247. Men can visit the Respect Men’s Advice Line or call 0808 801 0327. Galop has a helpline for LGBT+ people on 0800 999 5428.