Image showing illustrated figures representing different people who might claim Universal Credit, including a guide dog user, a couple, a parent and people in work.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs.

This site will help you understand what Universal Credit means for you. If you want to go straight to making a claim for Universal Credit visit gov.uk/universal-credit

Are you new to Universal Credit?

Start here to find out about Universal Credit and whether you should claim it.

Are you making a Universal Credit claim?

Help for anyone who wants to make a claim for Universal Credit. Includes what you need to make a claim, and how to do it.

Are you already claiming Universal Credit?

Information to help you understand what you need to do when you’re on Universal Credit.

Helping someone claim

Are you helping someone who is claiming Universal Credit? This section tells you what you need to know to offer the right advice.

Advance payments

It’s now easier to get an advance before your first Universal Credit payment.

Landlords and Universal Credit

Learn how you can help your tenants' Universal Credit claims run smoothly.

Employers and Universal Credit

Find out how Universal Credit can help your business, and how you can support your employees who receive it.