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Eligibility and award of universal credit

Universal credit applies to individuals living in the UK who are 18 years old or more, and have savings of no more than £16,000 either held individually or between joint claimants¹. An award may include four main elements²:

1. Ìý

   •ÌýÌýÌýÌý the standard allowance

2. Ìý

   •ÌýÌýÌýÌý an amount relating to children

3. Ìý

   •ÌýÌýÌýÌý housing costs

4. Ìý

   •ÌýÌýÌýÌý an amounts relating to other particular needs such as a disability or health condition

Applications for the universal credit can be made online or though the claimants local Jobcentre Plus.

The impact of earnings

The award is calculated on a case by case basis. It is then reduced by a percentage of the claimants earnings. However claimants with children or a disability or health condition, can earn up to a certain amount (a work allowance) before the earnings reduce the universal credit. Unearned income also reduces the credit. In the case of single claimants the individual's income is