Universal credit is financial support from the government to people who do not have enough income to meet their ends. It is paid monthly or fortnightly to help people on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. Universal Credit has replaced Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support.
Eligibility for Universal Credit
You will be eligible to claim Universal Credit if:
- you live in the UK
- you’re on a low income or out of work
- you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17, student universal credit, etc.)
- you’re under State Pension age(or your partner is)
- you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
COVID-19
In response to tackle the economic disruption due to coronavirus outbreak, the government has decided to increase the standard allowance in Universal Credit per week by £20 on top of planned annual uprating. This will apply to all new and existing Universal Credit logins.
Universal Credit Advance Payment
Due to coronavirus, there might be delays in processing the applications. So, if you do not have enough money to afford your basics while you wait for your first Universal Credit payment you can ask for advance payment by logging in online universal credit account or through your Jobcentre/work coach. For taking advance you need to:
- explain why you need an advance
- verify your identity (you’ll do this when you apply online or on the phone with a work coach)
- provide bank account details for the advance (talk to your work coach if you cannot open an account)
New Style Employment and Support Allowance
New Style Employment and Support Allowance is an allowance you can avail of if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. You shall be eligible for the allowance if you satisfy any one of the following conditions:
- you or your child might have coronavirus or you’re recovering from it
- you or your child are self-isolating because you came into contact with someone who might have coronavirus
- you have been told to stay at home for at least 12 weeks by the NHS because you’re at high risk of severe illness
