Eligibility

Universal Credit Eligibility – Who Can Claim? Universal Credit is designed to provide financial support to individuals and families who need help with living costs, housing, and childcare. However, not everyone is eligible to claim Universal Credit. This page will guide you through the general eligibility criteria, and it also serves as a hub for more detailed information on specific groups and circumstances. Whether you're self-employed, a student, a carer, or part of a mixed-age couple, you'll find the relevant information here. ________________________________________ What Are the General Eligibility Criteria for Universal Credit? To be eligible for Universal Credit, you must meet the following general criteria: • Age: You must be over 18 years old. However, there are some exceptions for 16-17-year-olds in specific circumstances (e.g., estranged from parents, responsible for a child, or unable to live with parents due to safety concerns). For more details, see our page on Universal Credit for Under-18s. • Residency: You must be a resident in Great Britain. Non-British nationals may also be eligible, depending on their immigration status. For more information, see our page on Residency Requirements for Universal Credit. • Income and Savings: You must not have savings or capital over £16,000. If your savings exceed this limit, you will not be eligible for Universal Credit. For more details, see our page on Universal Credit and Income/Savings. • Education: You must not be in full-time education or training, unless you meet specific exceptions (e.g., you are a parent, disabled, or have limited capability for work). For more information, see our page on Universal Credit for Students. • Other Conditions: o You must not be in prison or a special hospital. For more details, see our page on Universal Credit for Prisoners. o You must not be a member of a religious order. o You must have accepted your Claimant Commitment, which outlines the steps you agree to take to prepare for or look for work. o You must have a National Insurance number or be in the process of obtaining one. ________________________________________ Income and Savings Limits for Universal Credit Universal Credit is means-tested, which means your income and savings will affect your eligibility and the amount you receive. Here's what you need to know: Savings and Capital • If you have savings or capital over £16,000, you are not eligible for Universal Credit. • If you have savings between £6,000 and £16,000, your Universal Credit payment may be reduced. This is because savings over £6,000 are considered when calculating your entitlement. Income Limits • Your Universal Credit payment is based on your monthly income. If your income increases, your Universal Credit payment will decrease. • If you earn enough through work, you may no longer be eligible for Universal Credit. However, Universal Credit is designed to top up your wages if you're on a low income, so you're always better off working. For more detailed information, see our page on Universal Credit and Income/Savings. ________________________________________ Universal Credit for Specific Groups Self-Employed Individuals If you're self-employed, you can still claim Universal Credit, but there are some additional rules, such as the Minimum Income Floor and reporting earnings monthly. For more information, see our page on Universal Credit for Self-Employed Claimants. Students Most full-time students are not eligible for Universal Credit. However, there are some exceptions, such as if you're a parent, disabled, or studying part-time. For more details, see our page on Universal Credit for Students. Disabled Claimants If you have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for additional support through Universal Credit. For more information, see our page on Universal Credit for Disabled Claimants. Carers Carers who provide at least 35 hours of care per week for a severely disabled person may be eligible for Universal Credit. For more details, see our page on Universal Credit for Carers. Armed Forces and Veterans Serving personnel, veterans, and their families may have specific eligibility rules and additional support options. For more information, see our page on Universal Credit for Armed Forces and Veterans. Care Leavers Care leavers face unique challenges and may be eligible for additional support, including housing and educational assistance. For more details, see our page on Universal Credit for Care Leavers. Prisoners Prisoners are generally not eligible for Universal Credit while in custody, but there are exceptions for housing costs and support after release. For more information, see our page on Universal Credit for Prisoners. Mixed-Age Couples If one partner is over State Pension age and the other is under, specific rules apply. For more details, see our page on Universal Credit for Mixed-Age Couples. Seasonal and Temporary Workers Seasonal and temporary workers may face fluctuating income, which can affect their Universal Credit payments. For more information, see our page on Universal Credit for Seasonal and Temporary Workers. ________________________________________ Transitioning from Legacy Benefits to Universal Credit If you're currently receiving legacy benefits (e.g., Income Support, Housing Benefit), you may need to transition to Universal Credit. For more information on managed migration and Transitional Protection, see our page on Transitioning from Legacy Benefits to Universal Credit. ________________________________________ How to Claim Universal Credit If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you can start your Universal Credit claim online. For more information on the claiming process, see our page on How to Claim Universal Credit. ________________________________________ Conclusion Universal Credit is designed to provide financial support to those who need it most. Whether you're employed, self-employed, a student, or have a disability, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria and how they apply to your situation. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, use our eligibility checker or contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for further guidance. ________________________________________