Skip to main content

Universal Credit – step-by-step: A guide that helps users navigate the Universal Credit system which takes you through the steps of setting up your account, how much will be paid and when it will be paid. Other useful areas like budgeting and, for those new to computing, basic computer skills are also covered.

Universal Credit Guide features at a glance


    • The latest Universal Credit processes
    • How to sign up to Universal Credit
    • Universal Credit will be paid
    • The amounts payable
    • Budgeting
    • Basic computer skills

Universal Credit Guide overview and content

Updated monthly, the Universal Credit guide shows users everything they need to know about the Universal Credit System including eligibility, creating a Universal Credit account, claiming, the latest benefits rates and managing your money.

A guide to the Universal Credit system that takes you through the steps of setting up your account, how much will be paid and when it will be paid. Other useful areas like budgeting and, for those new to computing, basic computer skills are also covered.



Basic Computer Skills.

          • Keeping safe online.
          • Using a computer keyboard or touchscreen.
          • Using a word processor.
          • Using the Internet.
          • Completing and submitting online forms.


What is Universal Credit?

          • The aims of Universal Credit.
          • The benefits that are replaced by Universal Credit.
          • Eligibility for Universal Credit.
          • The Claimant Commitment.
          • How Universal credit will be paid.

Universal Credit – Making a Claim

          • Suitable bank or building society accounts.
          • How savings affect Universal Credit.
          • The personal details that you must collect before making a claim.
          • How to go to the Universal Credit claim page.
          • The Universal Credit online claim process.

Universal Credit – After Claiming

          • What happens after claiming Universal Credit.
          • The Benefit Cap and how it affects Universal Credit.
          • The standard Universal Credit payments.
          • Budgeting on a monthly basis.
          • The penalties that may apply if you don’t keep to your Claimant Commitment.

Universal Credit – Change in Circumstances

          • How getting work can affect Universal Credit.
          • How becoming unemployed can affect Universal Credit.
          • How changes in family circumstances can affect Universal Credit.
          • Informing the DWP of changes in circumstances.
          • Where to find out more about Universal Credit.
.