Universal Credit

Universal Credit (UC) is a single monthly benefit payment for people offering financial support to anyone on a low income or who is out of work. The payment is aimed at covering basic living expenses and housing costs.

How much someone receives depends on their personal circumstances and if they have any other income or savings. You can still make a claim if you have a salaried job or are self-employed. Universal Credit pulls together a range of other benefits and tax credits into a single monthly payment.

Housing Benefits

Housing benefit helps those on low income to meet the cost of paying their rent each month. Payments can be made to those individuals who are in work as well as those who are unemployed (or unable to work). It should be noted that Housing Benefit is normally only paid to those people who are renting their property from a council or housing association (as those who rent their home privately from a landlord need to instead apply for Local Housing Allowance (LHA).)