If you need to claim benefits, your Personal Adviser can help you understand what you may be entitled to and support you with your application.
The amount you receive will depend on your personal circumstances, including your age, income, living arrangements and whether you have any additional support needs.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment that helps with living costs if you are on a low income, unemployed, unable to work or need support while looking for work.
As a guide, the standard Universal Credit allowance for 2026/27 is:
| Circumstances | Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 25 - Single (monthly) | £338.58 |
| Under 25 - Joint claim (monthly) | £528.34 |
| Under 25 - Single (weekly equivalent) | £78.15 |
| Under 25 - Joint claim (weekly equivalent) | £121.95 |
| Over 25 - Single (monthly) | £424.90 |
| Over 25 - Joint claim (monthly) | £666.97 |
These figures are a guide only and may change. The amount you receive will depend on your individual circumstances.
You can use a benefits calculator to get an estimate of what you may be entitled to.
How Universal Credit works
Universal Credit is usually paid directly into your bank account once a month.
Your payment is based on:
- your standard allowance
- any additional amounts you are entitled to
- any deductions from your payment
- your income and earnings
It is important to have a bank account in your name so payments can be made directly to you. Managing your Universal Credit payments is an important part of learning to budget and live independently.
Support from your Personal Adviser
Your Personal Adviser will offer you lots of help and support to make sure that everything is in place for you.
If you are not working, in education or in training, you may also be assigned a Work Coach through the Jobcentre who can help you access employment, education and training opportunities.
Your responsibilities
While receiving benefits, you should:
- keep in touch with your Personal Adviser
- attend Jobcentre appointments
- work with housing services where appropriate
- tell Universal Credit about any changes in your circumstances
- follow the terms of your tenancy if you live independently
Additional Universal Credit payments
You may be entitled to additional amounts on top of your standard allowance.
If you have a disability or health condition
If you have a disability, long-term illness or health condition that affects your ability to work, you may qualify for additional support through Universal Credit.
The amount available depends on your individual assessment and circumstances. For the latest information about support for health conditions and disabilities, visit:
Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit | GOV.UK
If you care for someone
You may be entitled to the Universal Credit Carer's Element if you provide at least 35 hours of care each week to someone receiving a qualifying disability-related benefit:
- Adult Disability Payment – standard or enhanced award
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Child Disability Payment – middle or highest care award
- Constant Attendance Allowance - full day rate, intermediate rate or exceptional rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Constant Attendance Allowance - full day rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest care rate
- Personal Independence Payment – either rate of the daily living part
The additional payment for 2026/27 is:
| Support | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carer's Element | £209.34 per month |
You may also qualify for Carer's Allowance. Speak to your Personal Adviser if you think this may apply to you.
Payments may be reduced
Your Universal Credit payment may be reduced if:
- you are repaying a Universal Credit advance
- you have been overpaid benefits
- you would go above the benefit cap
- you have certain debts, such as Council Tax or Child Maintenance arrears
- you have earnings from employment
- you have other sources of income
- you have savings above the permitted limits
If you have savings, investments or other capital of more than £6,000, your Universal Credit payment may be reduced. For every £250 (or part of £250) you have between £6,000 and £16,000, £4.35 will be deducted from your monthly payment.
For detailed guidance on deductions and savings rules, visit:
Find out about money taken off your Universal Credit payment | GOV.UK
No recourse to public funds
Some people are unable to claim most benefits because of their immigration status. This is known as having "no recourse to public funds".
If this applies to you, your Personal Adviser will explain what support is available and help you understand what assistance you can receive throughout your immigration journey.