Who can claim Universal Credit
Universal Credit (UC) is a benefit for low-income people under 66 who are either in or out of work.
Some pensioners who are over 66 may also receive Universal Credit.
Universal Credit has replaced new claims for the following benefits for people under 66:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
If you’re still receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you’ll move to Universal Credit if you:
- have a change of circumstances which requires a new claim, or
- you’re moved to Universal Credit under a process called 'managed migration'
The government is planning to move all existing claimants to UC. They’re planning to do this by March 2026.
Find out more about the switchover to Universal Credit
Legacy claimants receiving severe disability premium
During 16 January 2019 to 26 January 2021, special rules existed for people receiving severe disability premium (SDP) as part of their benefits. This could be housing benefit, income support or income-related employment and support allowance.
This rule prevented people who received SDP from claiming UC. This no longer applies from 27 January 2021.
If you’re receiving SDP and have a change of circumstances that requires a new claim, you must apply for UC instead. Your existing legacy benefits will also come to an end. UC may include an extra amount for qualifying claimants to compensate for the loss of SDP.
Please contact our Welfare Rights Service if you need to check your position or advice about UC or other benefits.
For more information, watch our Universal Credits Key Facts video: