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Universal Credit
Universal Credit provides financial help if you are on a low income, out of work or cannot work.
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You can find out if you are eligible by using a benefits calculator.
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you are:
- out of work
- working (including self-employed or part time)
- unable to work, for example because of a health condition
To claim Universal Credit, you must:
- live in the UK
- be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you are 16 or 17)
- be under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
Find out your eligibility for Universal Credit on GOV.UK.
Apply for Universal Credit
Visit the GOV.UK website to submit your application for Universal Credit:
You can use the GOV.UK service to:
- create a Universal Credit account
- make a claim for Universal Credit
- join your partner's claim for Universal Credit
You must have an email address. You will also need access to your mobile phone if you have one.
Single claimants under 35 years old
If you are single and under 35, you can only get Universal Credit for bedsit accommodation or a single room in shared accommodation. This is called the shared accommodation rate.
It does not apply if you:
- have a child who lives with you
- live with your partner as a couple
- live with an adult non-dependant
- are a foster carer
- receive certain disability-related benefits