What is Universal Credit?
Links marked * are commercial or go to our partner sites, which share our operator. Third-party companies may pay us commission. How we make money.
In short: A single monthly benefit that has replaced six older means-tested benefits, paid to working-age adults on low incomes (in or out of work).
Content updated:
Universal Credit replaces Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. It is paid monthly in arrears.
How much you get depends on your circumstances: a standard allowance, plus additional amounts for children, housing costs, disability and being a carer. Income from work reduces the award by 55p per £1 above any 'work allowance'. From 6 April 2026 a child element is paid for every eligible child — the two-child limit was removed.
2026/27 standard allowance for a single person 25+ is £424.90 a month. Most new LCWRA health claims get £217.26; some existing or severe cases keep £429.80. If you are still on a 'legacy' benefit, you will be moved to Universal Credit through a managed migration notice from the DWP — do not stop claiming until you have applied.
Primary source: gov.uk/universal-credit
Part of our Benefits & tax
This quick answer sits inside our wider benefits & tax hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full benefits & tax guide →