Skip to main content
Collection

Universal Credit: detailed information for claimants

This collection brings together detailed information for people claiming Universal Credit.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Work and Pensions
Published:
12 March 2018
Last updated:
3 February 2026
Show all updates

  1. New headings created with the existing guides separated into the appropriate sections. A new link has been added to the NHS guidance on help with prescriptions for those on Universal Credit.

  2. Added 'Universal Credit and education course levels' to the collection page.

  3. Link added to 'Manage your Universal Credit claim after you apply' guide.

  4. Added link to new guidance on Universal Credit advances and hardship payments.

  5. Added link to new Universal Credit and sanctions page.

  6. Added link to Welsh version.

  7. Added link to new page on Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance back to work schemes.

  8. Added link to new Recoverable Hardship Payments (RHPs) page.

  9. Added link to new guidance on how money, savings and investments affect Universal Credit.

  10. Removed links to guidance for those who receive a Migration Notice telling them to move to Universal Credit. There will be a separate collection page for those claimants.

  11. Added link to the how to claim step-by-step guide.

  12. Added links to guidance on earnings and Universal Credit, guidance for couples, and transitional protection if you receive a Migration Notice letter.

  13. Added links to the online service and guidance for those who have received a Migration Notice.

  14. Added 'Support for 18 to 21 year olds claiming Universal Credit' to the collection page.

  15. Added 'Claiming Universal Credit and other benefits if you are a refugee' page to collection.

  16. Added 'Universal Credit and prison leavers' page to collection.

  17. Added 'Universal Credit: debt and deductions that can be taken from payments' to the collection page.

  18. 'Universal Credit consent and disclosure of information' added to the collection.

  19. Added 'Universal Credit and other benefits' and 'Universal Credit advances' to the collection page.

  20. Added a link to the Universal Credit and homeless people page.

  21. Added 'Universal Credit: changes to limited capability for work payments' to the collection.

  22. Added the Universal Credit and childcare page to the collection.

  23. Added new style Jobseeker's Allowance and new style Employment and Support Allowance to the collection.

  24. Added 4 links relating to Universal Credit information -- different earning patterns and your payments, families with more than 2 children, if you have a disability or health condition and Universal Credit and tax credits.

  25. Added information about Universal Support.

  26. Added guidance about new rules from 11 April 2018 for claimants to continue to get Housing Benefit for 2 weeks after they move to Universal Credit.

  27. First published.

This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs.

You may be able to get it if you:

  • are on a low income
  • are out of work
  • cannot work

If you live in Northern Ireland, go to Universal Credit in Northern Ireland.

Basics of Universal Credit

Find out about the requirements to claim Universal Credit, along with how to create and access your account.

Making your claim

Find out what you’ll need to do to claim Universal Credit.

After you apply for Universal Credit

What you can expect after applying for Universal Credit and how to use your account.

When your payments might be reduced or stopped

Family and relationship

Find out what help is available through Universal Credit for if you have children or are in a relationship.

Work, income and savings

Help with special circumstances

Find out how Universal Credit can help if you:

  • need an advance on your payment
  • have a health condition
  • are a refugee, prison leaver, or homeless

The NHS has information on how to get help with health costs if you are on Universal Credit.

In education

There is specific Universal Credit information for students.

Contents