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Universal Credit information and guidance for employers.

• Updated: 4 September 2025

Universal Credit is replacing 6 other benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income - eligibility, how to prepare.

• What Universal Credit is

  Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid…

• Eligibility

  You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need…

• What you'll get

  Universal Credit is paid monthly. How much you get depends on: your…

• How your wages affect your payments

  If you or your partner are working, how much Universal Credit you get will…

• How you're paid

  Universal Credit is paid once a month, usually into your bank, building…

• How to claim

  You can apply for Universal Credit online. You need to create an account…

• Your claimant commitment

  To get Universal Credit payments, you’ll need to accept an agreement…

• Get an advance or other financial support

  If you need help to pay your bills or cover other costs, you might be able…

• Report a change of circumstances

  You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the…

• Contact Universal Credit

  You can contact Universal Credit: through your online account by calling…

Deal with the Tax Credit office for someone else - authorisation, TC689 authorisation form, appointees, if your child has a baby

• Overview

  Tax credits have ended. No new claims can be made. The person you’re…

• Authorisation

  You must be authorised to talk to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about…

• Appointees

  You can apply for the right to deal with the tax credits of someone who…

Getting a UK background check so you can apply for Global Entry and get through USA border control faster: how to apply, how much it costs

Cold Weather Payment - what you'll get, eligibility and how to find out if your area is due a payment.

Make a debit or credit card payment with HMRC to pay your tax bill, including Self Assessment, PAYE, VAT and Corporation Tax.

Claiming Universal Credit if you're self-employed - eligibility, reporting your earnings, start up periods

Detailed information about Universal Credit.

• Updated: 15 June 2018

Your Universal Credit payments can be reduced if you do not complete your agreed work-related activities without a good reason. This is known as a sanction.

• Updated: 7 April 2025

What happens to benefits if you or someone in your family goes to prison or is on remand.