Universal Credit

What you get

Universal Credit is a monthly payment from the UK government to help cover your living costs if you have a low income, no income, or cannot work. It is not a scholarship but a state benefit run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The basic monthly rate depends on your age and whether you live with a partner:

• About 390 EUR (£338.58) if you are single and under 25
• About 490 EUR (£424.90) if you are single and 25 or over
• About 610 EUR (£528.34) for a couple both under 25
• About 770 EUR (£666.97) for a couple where one of you is 25 or over

On top of the base amount you can get extra money: about 350 EUR (£303.94) per child, up to 85% of your childcare costs, plus amounts for a disability or health condition, for caring for someone, and towards your rent. The payment drops if you earn wages or hold savings above £6,000. It stops entirely once your savings pass £16,000.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You live in the UK. Northern Ireland has a separate system.
• Age: You are 18 or over and under State Pension age. In some cases 16- and 17-year-olds can also claim.
• Money: You have a low income, no income or cannot work, and your savings and investments are no more than £16,000.
• Nationality: Open to anyone living in the UK. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens usually need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Couples: If you live with a partner, you claim together as a household, even if your partner is not eligible.
• If you study full time: You can normally only claim if you are responsible for a child, live with an eligible partner, or have been told to move to Universal Credit. You can also claim if you are 21 or under, studying up to A-level level without parental support, or if you already receive certain disability benefits and have an assessed limited capability for work.

How to apply

You apply online through the Universal Credit service after a postcode check. If you cannot claim online, use the free phone helpline. Create an account and finish your claim within 28 days, or you have to start again. There is no application deadline. You may need a phone or Jobcentre appointment to prove your identity before your first payment.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an ongoing benefit, not a competitive award. There are no fixed places to compete for: if you meet the income, savings and residence rules, you receive it. The main hurdle for students is the study rule, since full-time students only qualify in specific situations such as having a child or a recognised health condition. Check a benefits calculator or the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service first, because starting a Universal Credit claim can permanently end some older benefits.