Visit the UK Government website for full details of Universal Credit and how to apply.
Universal Credit is the overarching payment which is replacing these benefits (known as legacy benefits):
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit (HB)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
The DWP is currently asking everyone who receives these legacy benefits to switch over to UC. This process (called “managed migration”) is likely to last until late 2025.
If you already receive any of these legacy benefits, the best option is to wait until you receive a letter called a Migration Notice. This letter will tell you how to start claiming UC, instead of the benefit(s) you previously received.
Three months after receiving your migration notice, you will stop receiving your previous benefit(s). The DWP will not automatically move your benefit claim to UC – you have to do this yourself within 3 months.
If you do not already receive any of the legacy benefits, you can apply for UC now.
Eligibility
- Your employment status is either: out of work; working (including self-employed or part-time); or unable to work (for example, because of a health condition)
- You live in the UK
- You are age 18 or over (some exceptions for 16- and 17-year-olds)
- You are under State Pension Age (this depends on your sex and date of birth)
- You have less than £16,000 in savings or investments
Standard monthly amounts
| Circumstances | Standard amount |
|---|---|
| Single and under age 25 | £311.68 |
| Single and over age 25 | £393.45 |
| Living with a partner and both under age 25 | £489.23 |
| Living with a partner and one or both over age 25 | £617.60 |
You may be eligible for more than the standard amount, if you need additional financial support for due to costs of a caring role, childcare, housing, or loss of earnings due to sickness or disability. Citizens Advice Scotland lists these factors and how they could affect your UC claim.
