Universal Credit is generally the same across the UK, but there are differences if you live in Northern Ireland. First, you’re usually paid twice a month. Second, if you rent and get help with your housing costs, this is normally paid directly to your landlord. Here’s step-by-step help.
What’s in this guide
- Step one: see how much Universal Credit you could get
- Step two: apply for Universal Credit in Northern Ireland
- Step three: wait for five weeks for your first payment
- Step four: choose how you want your Universal Credit and rent to be paid
- Step five: apply for other help and discounts
- Speak to a free Advice NI adviser
Step one: see how much Universal Credit you could get
Our Benefits calculator will quickly show you how much you could get, as it depends on your circumstances.
You can work as many hours as you like and still qualify for Universal Credit (as it’s based on your income), so it’s always worth checking you’re not missing out.
Universal Credit is paid at the same rate wherever you live in the UK and is made up of:
a standard allowance, and
additional elements for things like housing and the costs of bringing up children, caring or coping with ill health.
This amount might then be reduced depending on other income you get. For example, from work, savings/investments or other benefits.
For more information, see our guides:
You can get Universal Credit if you’ve left prison
Universal Credit is available to prison leavers. Visit GOV.UK for an in-depth guide that will take you through the basics of how to make and manage a new Universal Credit claimOpens in a new window, how to find out if an advance payment is right for you. If you live in Northern Ireland you should make your claim as soon as possible after your release.
Step two: apply for Universal Credit in Northern Ireland
You can apply for Universal Credit onlineOpens in a new window on GOV.UK
If you’ll struggle to apply online, you can:
It’s usually best to speak to a free Advice NI adviser before applying.
For more help and information, see our guides:
Step three: wait for five weeks for your first payment
After applying, it can take up to five weeks to get your first payment. If you’ll struggle while you’ll wait, you can ask for:
a short-term living expenses grant you won’t need to repay from the Universal Credit Contingency Fund (UCCF) – see how to applyOpens in a new window on nidirect
a Universal Credit advance payment to get your first payment early, but you’ll need to repay this – see our guide Universal Credit advance payments.
You can apply for both the UCCF and advance.
For lots of other steps you can take, see our guide Help managing your money while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment.
Step four: choose how you want your Universal Credit and rent to be paid
Universal Credit is always calculated monthly, but you have a few choices about how Universal Credit is paid in Northern Ireland:
Universal Credit is usually paid twice a month, but you can ask for it once a month.
If you claim Universal Credit as a couple, it’s paid as one payment for the household – either to one of you or into a joint account. But you can ask to split the payment so you each receive some.
If you qualify for the housing costs element to cover some or all of your rent, this will be paid directly to your landlord. But you might be able to ask for this to be paid to you instead if you meet certain conditions.
To request a change, you can add a note to your journal using your online Universal Credit accountOpens in a new window
If you’re having trouble with your online account, you can:
speak to your work coach.
Paying your rent if you choose to pay it yourself
When you know the date of your Universal Credit payment, ask your landlord if you can move the date you pay your rent to just after you get your Universal Credit payment – or wages if you’re also working.
You can then set up a standing order to pay your rent automatically using online banking or by asking your bank.
What to do if your Universal Credit doesn’t pay all your rent
After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment, you’ll know if your payment covers all your rent.
If it doesn’t cover all your rent, you might be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)Opens in a new window from the Housing Executive.
For more information, see our guide Help if you can’t afford your rent.
Step five: apply for other help and discounts
After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment, you might qualify for extra help and discounts. For example:
discounts on your broadband and other bills.
For full information and how to apply, see our guide Help managing your money if you receive benefits.
Speak to a free Advice NI adviser
Advice NI offers free, independent and impartial advice.
You can speak to an adviser:
by visiting Adviceni onlineOpens in a new window
by calling 0800 915 4604
by email .
For other help and support where you live, tryOpens in a new window Advicelocal.
See nidirect for more information on Universal Credit in Northern IrelandOpens in a new window