What is Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a new benefit for working age people who are on a low income or out of work. It replaces a number of existing benefits and tax credits:
- housing benefit
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
You cannot usually get any of these benefits or tax credits separately if you get Universal Credit.
Who can claim
If you want to make a new claim for one of the six benefits or tax credits listed above, you will have to claim Universal Credit instead. You can find more detailed information about eligibility on the GOV.UK website.
If you are already claiming at least one of these benefits or tax credits and your circumstances do not change, the DWP will transfer you onto Universal Credit later. We expect that this will happen from 2019 onwards.
