Universal Credit after redundancy

• You're 18 or over (with some exceptions) and under State Pension age
• You live in the UK
• Your household savings are under £16,000
• Your income is low or you're not currently working

If you live with a partner, you have to claim together as a couple.

You apply online through your Universal Credit account on GOV.UK. You'll be asked to verify your identity, set up bank details and book a first appointment at your local Jobcentre.

• ID — passport, driving licence or other documents
• Bank account details
• Information about rent or mortgage and housing costs
• Recent payslips and details of your redundancy package
• Childcare costs if you have children

Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears. Your first payment usually comes about five weeks after you claim. If that's too long to wait, you can ask for an advance, which is then repaid from your future UC over up to 24 months.

Your monthly UC starts from a standard allowance based on age and whether you claim as a single person or a couple. Extra amounts (called elements) are added for things like children, housing, caring or limited capability for work.

Earnings and certain other income reduce the total. Capital between £6,000 and £16,000 also reduces it. The calculator on this site gives an indicative figure, but the only official number comes from your UC account once your claim is assessed.

You'll usually be asked to agree a 'claimant commitment' that sets out what you'll do to look for work. After redundancy, some flexibility is usually allowed while you adjust. Tell your work coach about caring duties, health issues or anything else that affects what you can do.