Universal Credit can be claimed by individuals who are usually 18 or over and under State Pension age, with some exceptions for people aged 16 or 17 in specific circumstances such as being responsible for a child, caring for a disabled person, or being pregnant. Claimants must be on a low income or out of work, live in the UK, and have savings or investments of £16,000 or less. Couples living together must claim Universal Credit jointly, and their combined income and savings will be used to calculate the amount they receive. People of pension age generally do not qualify unless they live with a partner who is of working age eligible for Universal Credit. Certain students and those with disabilities may also be eligible under specific conditions.
