Universal credit
What is universal credit?
Universal credit is a new way of paying benefits where you receive one monthly payment. It is administered by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).
Universal credit replaces the following benefits:
- Benefits from DWP:
- Jobseekers allowance (income based)
- Income related employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Benefits from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC):
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit
- Benefits from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council:
- Housing benefit for those of working age or couples where one is of working age and one is of pensionable age and you became a couple on or after 15 May 2019
Once you make a claim for universal credit, you won’t be able to make a claim for any of the above benefits.
Please note that universal credit does not include council tax support and second adult rebate. These are administered separately: more about help paying council tax
There are no limits to the number of hours you can work each week if you receive universal credit. Your payment will gradually reduce as you earn more money. You won't lose all your benefits at once if you're on a low income.
Get an estimate
You can use the universal credit calculator (GOV.UK) which will give you an estimate of how much universal credit you could be entitled to.
Further information:
Last updated: 12/01/2024 13:43
