Universal Credit

• Broad eligibility – There's no specific 'type' of person that Universal Credit is meant for. It's designed to help bridge the gap for those struggling financially, whether that's due to unemployment, a low income, caring for young children, or a health condition. 
  
  
• Be aware: it comes with obligations – Depending on your circumstances, you'll usually be expected to do a certain amount of work or 'work-related activity' each month to qualify for your Universal Credit payment. This is laid out in a document called a 'claimant commitment', which you'll sign when you apply. If you don't do an action included in this, your amount will be reduced.
  
  
• There's no set amount you'll get – The Government first looks at what you need to live on given your circumstances. The amount you'll get in Universal Credit is then adjusted based on what you've got coming in each month (from work and other benefits), and your savings. 
  
  
• There's no set amount you can earn before you stop getting Universal Credit – Because Universal Credit is tailored to your circumstances, there's no hard 'cut-off' point for eligibility. A single person living with their parents may only be able to earn up to £18,000 before they stop being eligible, whereas a single parent of two children, renting in an expensive city, may be able to earn up to £50,000 before they are no longer eligible.

Claiming Universal Credit also opens up access to other forms of support, including increased free childcare hours, and reduced tariffs for certain utilities. We cover these on the 'extra help' page, later in this guide. 

We'll also go on to explain exactly how Universal Credit works, and how to apply. But if you simply want to do a quick check of what you might be entitled to, see our 10-minute Benefits Calculator.