Eligibility Checklist for Universal Credit
Check whether you are likely to qualify for Universal Credit under the Welfare Reform Act 2012.
Overview
Universal Credit (UC) is the main working-age benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the Welfare Reform Act 2012. It has replaced six legacy benefits: Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit. Eligibility depends on age, residence, income, and capital.
Basic Conditions
You are aged 18 or over (with limited exceptions for 16–17 year olds)(Essential)
You are under State Pension age(Essential)
You are in England, Scotland, or Wales (UC does not apply in Northern Ireland in the same form)(Essential)
You are not in full-time education (some exceptions: those with disabilities, caring responsibilities, or single parents)(Essential)
You have a National Insurance number(Essential)
Income and Capital
Your capital (savings and investments) is below £16,000(Essential)
Capital between £6,000 and £16,000 reduces your award by a tariff income calculation; above £16,000 you do not qualify
Your household income is low enough that UC will produce a positive award (the UC calculation deducts 55p for every £1 of net earnings above your Work Allowance)(Essential)
You do not have a partner whose income would reduce or eliminate any entitlement
Work Capability
If you have a health condition or disability, you may claim the Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element — request a Work Capability Assessment
The LCWRA element adds approximately £416/month to your UC award
If you are a carer for a severely disabled person, you may qualify for the Carer element