Universal Credit (UC)

Information about Universal Credit (UC)

Over the next two years, most working age people who receive legacy benefits (Tax Credits, Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance, Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit) will need to claim Universal Credit.

If you were entitled to an SDP within a month before your claim for UC, you may be entitled to an additional element within your UC payment.

Find out if you could be entitled to new style Job Seeker Allowance (NS JSA) or new style Employment and Support Allowance (NS ESA)

Some things that you will need to do before you make your UC claim

Find out how to make your claim for UC

Find out how to apply for a reduction in your Council Tax whilst in receipt of Universal Credit

Your personal circumstances will be assessed on a monthly basis to work out the amount of UC you will get. Find out more.

Find out how to request an advance UC payment

UC payments are made monthly in arrears and include rent payments. Find out how to best manage payments for your circumstances

Find out more about the UC Journal

The Claimant Commitment sets out what you must do in return for benefit and your work coach is your main contact for your UC claim.

If you are claiming Universal Credit with a health condition or disability that prevents you from working or ESA, you may be required to attend an assessment to assess your capability for work.

If you are getting Universal Credit, your benefit may at some point be sanctioned