How to claim universal credit
How much is universal credit?
Your universal credit (UC) payment is made up of:
a standard allowance - for a single adult or couple
extra amounts - for rent, children, caring responsibilities or a disability
Your UC usually goes into your bank account as a single payment each month.
Standard allowance
This is the amount that every single adult or couple gets as part of their UC payment.
Table: Standard allowance from April 2024
This table shows the maximum UC standard allowance you could get.
| Claim type | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Single person under 25 | £311.68 |
| Single person aged 25 or over | £393.45 |
| Couples - both under 25 | £489.23 |
| Couples - either person 25 or over | £617.60 |
You do not usually get the full amount if you're working or have other income.
GOV.UK explains how earnings affect UC.
Extra universal credit elements
You can get extra amounts for rent, children, caring responsibilities or a disability. These extra amounts are called elements.
GOV.UK explains who can get UC elements.
Table: Universal credit elements from April 2024
This table shows what you could get on top of your standard allowance.
| Element | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Child element | £287.92 each for your first 2 children. You may get more if your children were born before 6 April 2017 or you have a disabled child. |
| Carer element | £198.31 - if you care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week unpaid. |
| Disability element | £416.19 - if the DWP decide you have 'limited capability for work and work related activity'. |
| Childcare element | Up to a maximum of £1014.63 (1 child) or £1739.37 (2 or more children). |
Child element for children of separated parents
Only the main carer for the children can get the child element.
You can agree who is the main carer if your children live with someone else some of the time.
If you cannot agree, the DWP decides based on your situation. For example, where the children spend the most time.
Universal credit housing element
You can get a housing element if you have to pay:
rent and some service charges
other occupation charges where you live
The amount you get depends on where you live and who lives with you.
It might not cover the full rent.
More about your universal credit housing element.
Benefit cap
Many families with children or high housing costs are affected by the benefit cap.
The benefit cap if a maximum amount that you can get in benefits if you do not work or have earnings below a set amount.
Find out about dealing with the benefit cap.
Your first payment
You have to wait at least 5 weeks for your first payment.
Ask for a UC advance if you cannot wait that long. You pay this back out of future payments.
UC is usually paid as a single monthly payment directly to you.
It's paid in arrears so what you get is based on your income in the previous month.
Use the entitledto benefits calculator for an idea of how much you can get.
Last updated: 21 March 2024
