Britons on low incomes could receive over £500 per month if they meet certain criteria via Universal Credit.
Universal Credit provides Britons with monthly payments to help them get by depending on their circumstances.
The amount one can receive will rely on their expenses and income.
If claimants can meet the criteria, they could receive over £6,000 every year.
People can claim whether they are out of work, working (including self-employed or part time), or unable to work, for example because of a health condition.
To be eligible, Britons must meet all of the below criteria:
- Live in the UK
- Aged 18 or over
- Under the state pension age
- Have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.
Those living with their partners will need to make a joint claim for the entire household regardless of whether their partner is eligible.
This means that the amount claimants receive is also impacted by their partner’s income and savings.
If only one person in a household has reached the state pension age they must still claim Universal Credit as a couple although the claim will stop when both parties reach the state pension age.
If someone is getting Pension Credit, it will stop if they or their partner make a claim for Universal Credit.
They’ll usually be better off staying on Pension Credit. Britons can check using a benefits calculator.
People from EU, EEA or Swiss citizens staying in the UK may need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get Universal Credit.
The monthly standard allowance for single people under 25 is currently £292.11, and £368.74 for single people aged 25 and over.
If a person lives with their partner and they are both under 25, the monthly allowance is £458.51 for them both.
Couples living together where one or both are 25 or over could be entitled to £578.82 per month at present.
Claimants can get extra amounts depending on their situation.
Having children will increase the amount claimants receive.
The rate of which depends on circumstances such as when the child or children were born.
An additional amount is added for any disabled or severely disabled child regardless of when they were born or how many other children one has. Some may get more on top of their standard allowance if they are eligible.
However, people should be aware their earnings could impact their payments.
For more information, people can visit the Government website.
