Universal Credit Guides
Plain-English guides on Universal Credit — who qualifies, how to claim, and how it interacts with other benefits.
How to Appeal a Universal Credit Decision — Mandatory Reconsideration and Tribunal Explained
Whether it's a sanction, a Work Capability Assessment outcome, or an overpayment decision, here's exactly how to challenge a Universal Credit decision — from Mandatory Reconsideration through to an independent tribunal.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit Health Element — What Is It and Who Gets It?
A major policy change from April 2026 means the Universal Credit health element (LCWRA) now pays two different rates depending on when your claim started. Find out which one applies to you.
Universal CreditAm I Eligible for Universal Credit If I Work Part Time?
Universal Credit is designed to top up part-time earnings, not just support people out of work entirely. Find out how work allowances and the 55% taper actually work.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit and Savings — Does Having Money in the Bank Stop You Claiming?
Savings under £6,000 don't affect Universal Credit at all — and even savings up to £16,000 only reduce your award, rather than removing it. Find out exactly how the tariff income calculation works.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit If You're Self-Employed — What You Need to Know
Self-employed Universal Credit claimants report their own income each month, and after a 12-month start-up period, the Minimum Income Floor can assume a higher income than you actually earned. Find out exactly how it works.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit When You Move House — What You Need to Report
Moving house affects your Universal Credit housing costs element. Find out what to report, when to report it, and how your payment might change.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit With a New Baby — What Changes and What You're Entitled To
Having a baby affects your Universal Credit claim in several important ways. Find out about the baby element, childcare costs, and what you need to report.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit After Redundancy — What to Do and What You're Entitled To
Being made redundant affects your Universal Credit claim immediately. Find out what to report, how your payment changes, and what other support is available.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit After Separation or Relationship Breakdown
Separating from a partner significantly affects your Universal Credit claim. Find out how to move from a joint to single claim, what changes, and what you could receive.
Universal CreditStarting Self-Employment on Universal Credit — What You Need to Know
Starting a business while on Universal Credit affects how your income is assessed. Find out about the startup period, Minimum Income Floor, and what to report monthly.
Universal CreditUniversal Credit When You Stop Working — What Happens to Your Claim
Stopping work, whether through illness, redundancy or choice, significantly affects your Universal Credit. Find out what changes, what to report, and what you could receive.