Donate
Support Us
Home > Support and Advice > Benefits > Universal Credit

Universal Credit

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit has replaced these benefits for most people:

  • Housing Benefit
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Income Support

You might be able to get Universal Credit if you’re not working or you’re on a low income - check if you’re eligible for Universal Credit.

Universal Credit works differently from the old benefits – so it’s important to know the differences.

The biggest differences are:

  • you can get Universal Credit if you’re unemployed but also if you’re working
  • you’ll usually get a single payment each month, rather than weekly or fortnightly
  • instead of getting a separate housing benefit, your rent will usually be paid directly to you as part of your monthly Universal Credit payment

Am I eligible for Universal Credit?

To get Universal Credit you must:

  • be 18 years old or over – or in some cases 16 or 17
  • be under State Pension age - check your State Pension age if you’re over 60 years old on GOV.UK
  • live in the UK – there are extra rules if you’re not a British citizen
  • have less than £16,000 in savings

If you live with a partner, their income and savings will be taken into account.

You can get Universal Credit if you’re living with other people but it might affect how much you get. For example, living with parents might mean you get less help with housing costs.

You can get Universal Credit if you’re self-employed – the application process is the same.

Whether you’ll be able to get Universal Credit depends on your situation.

How does Universal Credit work?

You’ll usually get one monthly payment to cover your living costs. If you claim Universal Credit as a couple, you and your partner will get one payment between the 2 of you. The payment is made up of a basic ‘standard allowance’ and extra payments that might apply to you depending on your circumstances.

You might be able to get extra payments if you:

  • look after one or more children
  • work and pay for childcare
  • need help with housing costs
  • are disabled or have a health condition
  • are a carer for a disabled person or you have a disabled child

Check how much you might get on GOV.UK.

How do I apply for Universal Credit?

If you’re eligible for Universal Credit, you’ll usually have to apply online.

Find out how to get started with your Universal Credit application.

If you’re not sure if you can get Universal Credit, you can talk to an adviser.

Further advice

Citizens Advice website

Government website

Was this page helpful?

Share your feedback to help us improve our advice and better support people across the Isle of Wight. It only takes a moment.

Give Feedback

Page last reviewed in October 2025

Can we help?

You can reach our local team on 01983 684684, Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm.
Contact Us

Search for something else:

Browse advice categories