Universal Credit is the main benefit for working-age people on low incomes in England — replacing six older benefits including Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, and Housing Benefit. Most people who need benefits support will be claiming or will need to claim Universal Credit.
For frontline homelessness workers, understanding how Universal Credit works — who gets it, how much, how it is paid, and what affects it — is practically essential. Many of the people you support will be navigating UC, and problems with UC claims are a significant driver of financial crisis and housing instability.
This module provides a clear introduction to Universal Credit, drawing on DWP's own guidance. It is not a benefits advice module — for complex benefit calculations or appeals, specialist benefits advisers are the appropriate resource. It is designed to give you a working knowledge of how UC functions.
This is a Foundation-level module within Subject 8: Benefits and Financial Inclusion.