Changes to universal credit: what you need to know

If you’re applying for universal credit, there’s been a change in how you prove who you are. 

What is universal credit?  

Universal credit is a monthly payment paid to those who are not currently working or to top up the income on low earners.  

It replaces: 

• income-based jobseeker’s allowance 

• income-related employment and support allowance 

• income support 

• housing benefit 

• child tax credit 

• working tax credit 

Verifying your identity  

Before you get your first payment, you must confirm your identity. This helps prevent fraud and makes sure the payment goes to the right person.  

You can verify your identity in one of the following ways:  

• online verification 

• face-to-face appointments through your local Job Centre (a list of what documents you’ll need to take can be found on the government website)  

• phone biographical interviews (a phone call similar to a face-to-face interview) 

What’s changed? 

As of 10 April, you can no longer use pay slips or P60s to verify your identity online. 

Instead, you’ll need two of the following: 

• valid UK passport 

• recent self-assessment tax returns 

• credit references or records, such as information about credit cards or phone contracts 

Universal credit just went up 

Benefit rates change each April, usually in-line with inflation to help keep up with the cost of living.  

This week payments rose by 1.7%.  

How much you get depends on your situation, but here’s how much the monthly payments have gone up by: 

Standard allowance  

• single under 25: £311.68 to £316.98  

• single 25 or over: £393.45 to £400.14  

• joint claimants both under 25: £489.23 to £497.55  

• joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £617.60 to £628.10  

Some claimants receive additional payments for factors such as dependent children or long-term illness. 

Child element 

• first child born before 6 April 2017: £333.33 to £339  

• first child born on or after 6 April 2017 or second child and subsequent child: £287.92 to £292.81  

• disabled child element lower rate: £156.11 to £158.76  

• disabled child higher rate: £487.58 to £495.87  

Limited capability for work 

• limited capability for work: £156.11 to £158.76  

• limited capability for work or work-related activity: £416.19 to £423.27  

Carer element 

• £198.31 to £201.68  

Work allowance 

• higher work allowance (no housing amount): £673 to £684  

• lower work allowance (with housing amount): £404 to £411  

Childcare cost element 

• maximum for one child: £1,014.63 to £1,031.88  

• maximum for two or more children: £1,739.37 to £1,768.94  

Universal credit is paid in arrears. If your assessment period started before 7 April, you’ll see the new rates in May. If it started after, you’ll need to wait until June.  

Can you get universal credit?  

You might be eligible if: 

• you live in the UK 

• you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17) 

• you or your partner are under state pension age 

• you’re out of work or on a low income 

• you and your partner have less than £16,000 in savings and investments