What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit (UC) is a new benefit that gets paid monthly. You can get UC if you have little or no income and low levels of savings and capital.

UC will replace the following benefits:

• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Budgeting Loans

If you are getting any of the benefits that UC is replacing, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will move you to UC at some time before 2022.

UC is made up of ‘Elements’. There are various Elements of UC you can get depending on your circumstances. This includes a Carer’s Element. You qualify if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who gets:

• Attendance Allowance,
• Personal Independence Payment (standard or enhanced daily living component), or
• Disability Living Allowance (middle or high rate care component).