1. What is universal credit
Universal credit (UC) is a means-tested benefit for people of working age.
UC replaces the following benefits and tax credits:
•income support;
•income-based jobseeker’s allowance;
•income-related employment and support allowance;
•housing benefit (HB);
•child tax credit;
•working tax credit.
You cannot make a new claim for these and must claim UC instead (for an exception for HB, see here). Once you claim UC, you remain on UC (provided you are still eligible), even if your circumstances change. If you are a full-time student, you are only eligible for UC in some circumstances – broadly, if you are a parent, have a disability, if you are a young student in non-advanced education and without parental support, or if you have a partner who is not a student.
The amount you get is based on your circumstances (eg, whether you have a partner or child, or care for someone with a disability) and is usually affected by any grant, loan or other income you have.
Note that DWP Train and Progress allows work coaches to refer people on UC to full-time training opportunities of up to 16 weeks, and stay on UC, without having to meet the usual student eligibility requirements. This scheme was initially for six months, but has now been extended until 2025.1Spring Budget 2023, para 4.169, available at