Universal Credit can help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work
Nearly eight million people across the UK are recipients of Universal Credit, a benefit scheme designed to support those with low income, whether they’re in or out of work. However, due to various misconceptions, some people may not realise they qualify for Universal Credit.
For instance, some might believe that being employed disqualifies them from claiming, but this isn’t always true. As per the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidelines, those eligible for Universal Credit could be working, unemployed, or unable to work due to health conditions.
If you cohabit with a partner, both of you will need to apply for Universal Credit, even if one of you doesn’t qualify. The amount you can receive depends on your partner’s income and savings, as well as your own.
The DWP outlines four criteria that must be met to claim Universal Credit:
- You must have no more than £16,000 in money, savings and/or investments
- You must live in the UK
- You must be under State Pension age
- You must be aged 18 or over, although there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17
Your Universal Credit gradually decreases as your earnings increase. For every £1 you or your partner earn after income tax, your Universal Credit is reduced by 55p, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Even if only one of you has reached State Pension age, you and your partner can still claim Universal Credit as a couple. Your Universal Credit claim will cease when both of you reach State Pension age. If you’re studying or in training, you can apply for Universal Credit if you’re in full-time education and any of the following conditions apply:
- you live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit
- you’re responsible for a child, either as a single person or as a couple
- you’ve reached State Pension age and live with a partner who is below State Pension age
- you’ve received a Migration Notice letter telling you to move to Universal Credit
You can also claim Universal Credit if you’re 21 or under, studying any qualification up to A level or equivalent and do not have parental support. You may be able to claim if you are studying part-time or doing a course for which no student loan or finance is available. For more information about Universal Credit eligibility, or to apply, click here.