Universal Credit can be applied for by individuals who generally meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 18 or over, although some 16 or 17-year-olds can apply if they meet certain conditions (e.g., they have a disability, care for a severely disabled person, are responsible for a child, or do not have parental support).
- Be under the State Pension age.
- Live in the UK (or certain related territories like Northern Ireland).
- Have savings or capital of £16,000 or less.
- If living with a partner, they must make a joint claim.
- Not be in full-time education or training unless exceptions apply (e.g., responsible for a child, living with a partner who is eligible).
- Can be out of work, working part-time, self-employed, or unable to work due to health reasons.
- Some people above State Pension age may be eligible if in a mixed-age couple where one partner is under State Pension age.
Additionally, people already receiving benefits that Universal Credit replaces will generally need to switch to Universal Credit when notified by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Detailed eligibility also considers income and other circumstances such as being in the armed forces or having certain disabilities. This payment supports those on low income or out of work to help cover living costs.