Universal Credit is a UK Government social security payment that is targeted at the working age group. This article is a simplified Universal Credit Review, universal credit benefits, eligibility for Universal credit as well as Universal Credit login and Universal Credit Sign up links. We will also be answering some Universal Credit FAQs.
What Is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit was introduced in 2010 to replace the old social security payment system that combined six Means-tested benefits with a single monthly payment for the claimants’. The six benefits that have been combined and replaced by Universal credit includes; income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Income Support; Housing Benefit; and Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
In this system, a single universal credit payment is paid directly into the claimants’ bank accounts once or twice Monthly to cover the benefits for which the claimants’ are eligible.
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Can I Apply For Universal Credit?
Many people do not know whether they can apply for Universal credit or not. If you fall into the categories below then you are eligible for Universal Credit.
Eligibility for Universal Credit are as follows:
- When you live in the UK
- If you are 18 years or over You may also get Universal Credit benefit if you are 16 to 17 if you meet up with some special exceptions.
- If You are on a low income or out of job.
- You are under Pension Credit qualifying age or if your partner is.
- If both you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings.
What are the Benefits In universal credit?
Universal Credit replaces six benefits with a single monthly payment. The benefits that Universal Credit replaced are:
- Income-Based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
How much Will I Get on universal credit?
The amount you will get on Universal Credit will depend on the income and general circumstances of all the household members. You can calculate or get an estimate of how much you can get on Universal Credit using the Universal Credit Calculator.
Your Universal Credit award will comprise of one basic Universal Credit allowance the entire family and any additional elements that are applicable. The basic allowance will depend on if you are single or couple, as well as your age
The Universal Credit Basic Allowance includes:
- Single claimant aged under 25: £251.77 per month
- Single claimant aged 25 or over: £317.82 per month
- Joint claimants both aged under 25: £395.20 per month
- Joint claimants either aged 25 or over: £498.89 per month
How many hours do I have to work to get universal credit?
Generally, your Universal credit payment will continue even when you have started working and reduces gradually as your earnings increase. It does not just stop because you are now working or any a job.
Unlike Jobseeker’s Allowance, your payment does not stop just because you work more than 16 hours per week.
How much can you earn before it affects universal credit?
You may be eligible for a work allowance which is the amount that you can earn before your Universal Credit payment is affected.
You will be eligible for a work allowance if you and/or your partner either:
- Have Responsibility for a child
- Have a limited capability for work
The monthly work allowances:
- £287 – When your Universal Credit includes housing support
- £503 – When you do not receive housing support
The work allowance rates will apply to all Universal Credit claimants.
For every pound you earn over the work allowance if this applies to you, Your Universal Credit will be reduced by 63 pence per pound you earn above your work allowance if it is applicable to you.
How Do I claim Universal Credit?
If you are on low income or out of work and live in the UK, you can claim Universal credit following the steps below:
1. Check if you’re eligible
2. Create an account and make a claim
and Find out how your claim is assessed
3. Apply for an advance on your first payment
4. Attend your interview
5. Get your first payment
6. Follow your agreement and report any change of circumstances
For details, go to https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-universal-credit.
Universal Credit Contact Number
Universal Credit contact number and related details are as given below.
- You can call 0800 328 5644 (Textphone: 0800 328 1344) Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (closed on bank holidays). Calls to 0800 numbers are free from landlines and mobiles.
- You can also use your online journal.
Universal Credit Application Online: How to Apply For Universal Credit
To apply for Universal credit will visit the UK Government website and fill in the required details.
- Go to the Universal Credit application page https://www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/postcode-checker
- Enter your postcode in the space provided for it and click on the green “START” button to commence your Universal credit online application.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your application.
Universal Credit Login – Universal Credit Sign in
Just like Universal credit application, Universal Credit login on the UK Govt website For Universal credit login:
- Go to the Universal Credit login page on UK Govt website on https://www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/sign-in
- Enter your Universal credit Username and password and click on the green Sign in button to go to your Universal credit account.
For more details and clarification on Universal Credit, Universal Credit benefits, Universal Credit application and Universal credit login, please visit Universal Credit official page on UK Govt website https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit.