Universal Credit new rules: What you need to know about the benefit changes coming into force today

Hundreds of thousands of people will be impacted by the new Universal Credit changes coming to force this week (May 13).

Over 180,000 people claiming benefits could be required to look for work with the new changes which come into force as part of the Government’s £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan.

The Government makes “no apologies” as they believe the new policy will allow people to “achieve financial security through work”, “grow the economy” and “help people build a better life for themselves” as there are currently over 900,000 job vacancies in the economy.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help individuals with their living costs.

It replaced the legacy Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Working Tax Credit.

Who is eligible for Universal Credit?

You may be eligible if you’re on low income or need help with your living costs.

You could be out of work, working (including self-employed or part time) or unable to work (e.g. because of a health condition).

To receive Universal Credit, you must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over, be under State Pension age and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.

If you live with your partner, you will need to make a joint claim for your household even if your partner is not eligible. If only one of you has reached State Pension age, you and your partner can still claim Universal Credit as a couple, and if you’re getting Pension Credit, it will stop if you or your partner make a claim for Universal Credit.

You and your family may also need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen to claim Universal Credit.

You can also receive Universal Credit if you’re in full-time education and:

- you live with your partner who is eligible for Universal Credit

- you are responsible for a child, either as a single person or as a couple

- you’ve reached State Pension age and live with a partner who is below State Pension age

- you’ve received a Migration Notice letter telling you to move to Universal Credit

You may also be eligible if you are 21 or under and studying any qualification up to A level or equivalent and do not have parental support.

You may also claim for Universal Credit if you’re 16 or 17 and:

- have a health condition or disability and have medical evidence for it, such as a fit note