Universal credit: Guidance
In October 2010, the Government announced that as part of its Welfare Reform agenda, Universal Credit (UC) would replace most current working age benefits. You can find out more about the background to UC in the policy section of the website.
UC is a means-tested benefit for people on low incomes whether they are in or out of work. It replaces the following benefits
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit
- Income support
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Housing benefit
Claimants do not need to have paid national insurance contributions to qualify. In Great Britain, (i.e. England, Wales, Scotland) Universal Credit is dealt with by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In Northern Ireland, Universal Credit is dealt with by the Department for Communities (previously the Department for Social Development).
Universal Credit was introduced in April 2013 by way of a small pathfinder in one part of the UK. By April 2016, some form of UC was available in all Jobcentres in Great Britain and by December 2018 UC was fully rolled out across the UK.
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Last reviewed/updated 11 May 2025