If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you’ll get one standard allowance for your household. The amount you will get in 2022-23 is £265.31 a month for single claimants under 25. £334.91 a month for single claimants aged 25 or over.
What is universal credit?
Universal Credit is a means-tested social security benefit in the United Kingdom that is intended to help people who are on a low income or out of work to meet their basic needs. It is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is paid monthly to individuals or households who are eligible to receive it.
Universal Credit is designed to replace a number of other social security benefits, including Housing Benefits, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Working Tax Credit. It is intended to simplify the benefits system and make it easier for people to transition into work.
To be eligible for Universal Credit, an individual must be aged 18 or over (or 16 or over in some cases), be under the State Pension age, and meet certain other criteria, such as being habitually resident in the UK and having limited savings. The amount of Universal Credit that a person is entitled to receive is based on their income and circumstances.
What are the features of universal credit?
Some of the key features of Universal Credit include:
- It is a means-tested benefit: The amount of Universal Credit that a person is entitled to receive depends on their income and circumstances.
- It is paid monthly: Universal Credit is paid directly into a bank, building society, or credit union account on a monthly basis.
- It replaces a number of other benefits: Universal Credit is designed to replace a number of other social security benefits, including Housing Benefits, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Working Tax Credit.
- It is intended to help people who are on a low income or out of work: Universal Credit is intended to provide financial support to people who are on a low income or out of work.
- It can be claimed online: Universal Credit can be claimed online through the government’s website.
- It is paid to individuals or households: Universal Credit is paid to individuals or households, rather than to a specific person or partner within the household.
- It includes a work allowance: Universal Credit includes a work allowance, which is an amount of money that a person can earn before their Universal Credit payment is reduced. The work allowance is intended to encourage people to work and to make it easier for them to transition into employment.
Divisions of Universal Credit
Universal Credit is divided into two parts: a standard allowance and additional amounts.
The standard allowance is the basic amount of Universal Credit that a person is entitled to receive. It is paid to individuals or households and is intended to help meet their basic needs. The standard allowance is divided into different amounts for different groups of people, such as single people, couples, and people with children.
Additional amounts are paid on top of the standard allowance and are intended to help with specific expenses. There are several different types of additional amounts, including:
- Housing Costs Contribution: This is an amount of money that is intended to help with the cost of rent or mortgage payments.
- Childcare Costs Contribution: This is an amount of money that is intended to help with the cost of registered or approved childcare.
- Limited Capability for Work Amount: This is an amount of money that is paid to people who are unable to work due to an illness or disability.
- Severe Disability Amount: This is an amount of money that is paid to people who are severely disabled and unable to work.
- Carer Amount: This is an amount of money that is paid to people who provide care for someone who is severely disabled.