Universal Credit benefit system is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly or twice a month for some people in Scotland.
You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work.
If you already get benefits
Universal Credit will replace the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit
If you currently receive any of these benefits, you cannot claim Universal Credit at the same time.
Universal Credit is being introduced in stages across the UK. You do not need to do anything until you hear from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about moving to Universal Credit, unless you have a change in circumstances.
Severe disability premium
You cannot claim Universal Credit if you either:
- are getting the severe disability premium
- got the severe disability premium within the last month and you’re still eligible for it
If you have a change of circumstances that affects the severe disability premium or your other benefits, report it and you’ll be told what to do next