Universal credit
Universal Credit is a benefit for people aged from 16 and up to pension age who are on a low income, out of work or unable to work. If a young person aged 16 or 17 is not in employment, education, or training, they may be entitled to Universal Credit if they satisfy at least one of the eligibility conditions. These include:
- having limited capability for work.
- having medical evidence and waiting for a work capability assessment.
On turning 16, young people are able to claim benefits, like Universal Credit, in their own right.
If they stay in full-time non-advanced education, (which includes GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs, NVQ levels 1-3), or in types of training, and meet at least one of the eligibility criteria, parents can choose to carry on claiming for them as part of their family.
These include being entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLD) and having limited capability for work. For a full list of eligibility conditions, visit the eligibility page about universal credit.
If the young person declares a disability or health condition when they make a claim for Universal Credit, they may be asked to attend a work capability assessment. The outcome of this assessment determines whether they will be required to look for work or prepare for work as a condition for getting Universal Credit. Information can be found on Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides a programme of support for all 16 to 24 year-olds making a new claim to Universal Credit who are required to prepare or look for work. This is called the DWP Youth Offer.
Please note: If a young person is aged 18 or over and getting residential or community care services from adult social care, getting Universal Credit could lead to them being asked to pay some charges towards those services.
Help to claim universal credit
You can get free support from trained advisers to make a Universal Credit claim. They can help you with things like online applications or preparing for your first jobcentre appointment. The Help to Claim service is provided by Citizens Advice and is confidential. They will not share your personal information unless you agree.
Information about universal credit can be found on our Information Now Universal Credit webpage.