If you’re renting a council or housing association property and have a spare bedroom, your Housing Benefit or housing costs element of Universal Credit might be reduced. Here’s what you need to know.

If you live with your partner, you must apply for Universal Credit together, even if only one of you qualifies. The payment is based on your household income and you’ll need to choose who gets the money. Here’s what you need to know and help budgeting as a couple.

Universal Credit is made up of a standard monthly allowance,

How to apply for Universal Credit Create an account and apply

As well as the extra income from your Universal Credit

Universal Credit is usually paid: After you’ve received your first

After you apply, it can take up to five weeks

You can work as many hours as you like and

Universal Credit is calculated based on the allowances you qualify

Use our free Benefits calculator to see if you qualify for Universal

If you have a low income – whether or not you’re working – Universal Credit can give you extra money to live on. Find out how it works, how much you could get and how to claim.

 If you need financial support, you can get help and

You need to report changes to your circumstances so you

To get Universal Credit payments, you’ll need to accept an

If you need help to pay your bills or cover

You can apply for Universal Credit online. You need to

Universal Credit is paid once a month, usually into your

If you or your partner are working, how much Universal

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re

Universal Credit is paid monthly. How much you get depends on:

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living