You are currently in the en section of the site.

No thank you, please close this banner.

Universal Credit Mental Health Guide

Universal Credit (UC) is a benefit for people of working age, who are on a low income or do not currently work - It has replaced certain legacy benefits. This Universal Credit mental health guide will help you understand how UC works and how to claim if you have a mental health condition.

Within this section

Introduction to Universal Credit

Find out if you can apply for Universal Credit, how much you can claim, how often you are paid, how to get an advanced payment, and if you are eligible for transitional protection.

How will moving to Universal Credit affect you

Learn what benefits Universal Credit is replacing, and how it will affect Council Tax, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, Income Support, ESA and Housing Benefit.

Help with your Universal Credit claim

Get all the help you need when making a Universal Credit claim with a mental health condition. Find out how to apply, fill in the form and prepare for a Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment.

Help if you already claim Universal Credit

If you already claim Universal Credit, we explain how to apply for Personal Budgeting Support, how to change your Claimant Commitment or Work-Related Activity Group and how to create a budget.

Universal Credit sanctions

A Universal Credit sanction is a reduction of your payment for a set-time for failing to meet your Claimant Commitment. Find out the circumstances you can get one, what financial support is available to you, and how to challenge it if you don’t agree.

Challenging a Universal Credit decision

If you are unhappy with the outcome of your Universal Credit claim, you can challenge the decision. Learn how to ask for a mandatory reconsideration, appeal a decision and prepare for a tribunal.

Universal Credit resources

Use our Universal Credit resources to find contact phone numbers or download our requesting medical evidence letter template.

×
Please tell us more

For urgent help, please see Help & contacts

Hello there

So we give the right advice for you, can you answer which Nation you're from?

England
Scotland
N.Ireland
Wales / Cymru
Just a minute

We have translated the site; would you prefer to read in Welsh?

Yes
No