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How Universal Credit is paid
Find out how Universal Credit is paid. You'll usually get a single payment every month paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
While you're on Universal Credit
Overview and content list for while you're on Universal Credit. Check how much you can get, reporting self-employed earnings and getting a budgeting advance.
Getting a Universal Credit budgeting advance
Find out how to get a Universal Credit budgeting advance, a loan for emergency and one-off expenses. Who’s eligible, how much you'll get and how to apply.
Get a Universal Credit advance payment
How to get an advance payment of Universal Credit if you don't have enough money to get by while you're waiting for your first Universal Credit payment.
Before you apply for Universal Credit
Information for before you apply for Universal Credit. Find out more about what Universal Credit is, check if you're eligible and how it's paid.
Check how Universal Credit is changing in 2026
The amount of Universal Credit you can get will change in April 2026. Check what is changing because of the Universal Credit Bill and other benefit changes.
Universal Credit payments if you're self-employed
Find out how your self-employed Universal Credit payments work, including how the DWP calculates your payments based on your income floor.
Challenging a Universal Credit decision - mandatory reconsideration
If you disagree with the decision about your Universal Credit claim, you can ask for ‘mandatory reconsideration’. Find out how to challenge the decision.