Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a means-tested non-taxable benefit to top up your income for people under their State Pension age
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a means-tested non-taxable benefit to top up your income to a level set by the government.
This page explains what Universal Credit is, who is eligible, and how to claim it.
You can call our helpline to speak to an advisor or ask for a copy of our guide to be posted to you by calling 0800 12 44 222. You can download our information guide here.
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Who is eligible?
You can claim Universal Credit if:
- you have a low income and savings of £16,000 or less
- you, or your partner if you have one, have not reached State Pension age
- meet the benefit rules about where you live and how long you have lived there
- are not in education
- accept a ‘claimant commitment’
How to claim
You are expected to make a claim online: www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
If you cannot claim online, call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 and ask to claim face-to-face or by telephone.
If you need help to make a Universal Credit claim, Citizens Advice Scotland offers a ‘Help to Claim’ service, available face-to-face, by telephone and online to provide support at the start of your claim.
Order copies of our publications
You can download our guides using the links on this page. To request copies, which will be posted out to you for free, you can use our online publications order form or call the Age Scotland Helpline (0800 12 44 222 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).
Age Scotland Helpline
Call our helpline on 0800 12 44 222 for free to speak to an adviser. Our advisers can perform entitlements checks and help you find out if you're missing out. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.