Legacy state support for working households on low incomes and families raising children. Replaced by Universal Credit, with all claimants transferred under managed migration.
Low Income & Universal Credit
Legacy payment elements vary based on historical household earnings and family size
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Tick off each condition below. You'll usually need to meet all of them to qualify.
No new claims can be made for Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.
When you receive a Migration Notice letter from DWP or HMRC, follow the instructions to make a Universal Credit claim before the deadline date.
Your tax credits will automatically stop when your Universal Credit claim begins.
Moving from Tax Credits to Universal Credit triggers an automatic reassessment of your local Council Tax Reduction and free school meal entitlements.
The main monthly payment for people of working age who are on a low income, out of work, or unable to work due to health conditions.
View guide Families & ChildrenAn allowance paid to parents or guardians responsible for raising a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training).
View guide Pensioners & Older AdultsA tax-free, means-tested benefit that tops up weekly income for state pension age residents and unlocks multiple extra cost-of-living perks.
View guide