Universal Credit is a benefit designed to support individuals and families on low incomes, those out of work, or those unable to work due to health conditions or caregiving responsibilities.
With a 6.7% increase in April 2024, claimants are now receiving higher payments. However, another increase is planned for April 2025.
In this guide, we’ll break down the latest Universal Credit rates, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Universal Updated Credit Rates
Universal Credit is paid as a single monthly amount, but it consists of different elements based on your situation. The table below outlines the 2024/2025 standard allowances:
Standard Allowance
| Circumstances | Monthly Rate 2024/25 | Monthly Rate 2023/24 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single under 25 | £311.68 | £292.11 | £19.57 |
| Single 25+ | £393.45 | £368.74 | £24.71 |
| Couple under 25 | £489.23 | £458.51 | £30.72 |
| Couple 25+ | £617.60 | £578.82 | £38.78 |
Children
If you have children, you may be eligible for additional payments:
| Number of Children | Extra Monthly 2024/25 | Extra Monthly 2023/24 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| First child (before April 2017) | £333.33 | £315.00 | £18.33 |
| First child (after April 2017) | £287.92 | £269.58 | £18.34 |
| Second child | £287.92 | £269.58 | £18.34 |
If you have a disabled child, additional payments apply:
| Disability Rate | Extra Monthly 2024/25 | Extra Monthly 2023/24 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher rate | £487.58 | £456.89 | £30.69 |
| Lower rate | £156.11 | £146.31 | £9.80 |
Childcare
If you’re working and paying for childcare, Universal Credit can help:
| Children | Max Monthly 2024/25 | Max Monthly 2023/24 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| One child | £1,014.63 | £950.92 | £63.71 |
| Two or more | £1,739.37 | £1,630.15 | £109.22 |
Health
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to work, you may qualify for additional payments:
| Circumstances | Extra Monthly 2024/25 | Extra Monthly 2023/24 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited capability for work | £156.11 | £146.31 | £9.80 |
| Limited capability for work & work-related activity | £416.19 | £390.06 | £26.31 |
Carers
If you provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care weekly, you can get the carer element:
| Year | Monthly Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | £198.31 | £12.45 |
| 2023/24 | £185.86 | – |
Work
Universal Credit allows you to earn a certain amount before your payments are reduced:
| Circumstances | Work Allowance 2024/25 | Work Allowance 2023/24 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher (no housing element) | £673.00 | £631.00 | £42.00 |
| Lower | £404.00 | £379.00 | £25.00 |
Future
From April 2025, Universal Credit will rise again by 1.7%, increasing payments as follows:
| Circumstances | Weekly Rate 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Single under 25 | £400.14 | £6.69 |
| Single 25+ | £316.98 | £5.30 |
| Couple under 25 | £497.55 | £8.32 |
| Couple 25+ | £628.10 | £10.50 |
Eligibility
You may qualify for Universal Credit if you are:
- On a low income
- Unemployed
- Unable to work due to a medical condition
- A carer providing unpaid care
- Living in the UK
- Aged 18 or over (some exceptions for 16-17-year-olds)
- Under State Pension age
- Have £16,000 or less in savings
Universal Credit is gradually replacing benefits like:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
Application
You can apply for Universal Credit online at GOV.UK or call 0800 328 5644.
To apply, you’ll need:
- An email address
- A phone number
- Bank account details
- ID (passport or driving licence)
If you live with a partner, both of you must apply and link your accounts. You may need to attend an appointment to complete your claim.
Payments
- Universal Credit is paid monthly.
- If your payment date falls on a weekend, you’ll be paid on the previous working day.
- Your first payment may take up to five weeks. You can request an advance payment if needed.
Keep track of your payments and updates via your online Universal Credit account.
