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2) Finance and Benefits: Universal Credit - Transition Guide

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a benefit for people aged between 16 and 64 years who are on a low income, out of work or unable to work.

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If you are 16 or 17 years old and are not in:

  • employment
  • education, or
  • training

You may be able to get Universal Credit.  This is if you meet at least one of the following:

  • have limited capability for work
  • have medical evidence and are waiting for a work capability assessment

If you are 16 or 17 years old and are in:

  • full-time education, or
  • training,

You may be able to get Universal Credit.  This is if you meet at least one of the conditions. These include:

  • being able to get PIP or DLA
  • having limited capability for work.

For a full list of the conditions, click on the logo. 

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Work capability assessment

If you say you have a disability or health condition when you apply for Universal Credit, you may be asked to go to a work capability assessment. This assessment decides if you will have to look for work or prepare for work.  This is a condition for getting Universal Credit. Click the button below to find out more.

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DWP Youth Offer

The DWP has a programme for all 16-24 year olds making a new claim to Universal Credit who are required to prepare or look for work. This is called the DWP Youth Offer. You can find out more by going to the government website.  Click on the button below.

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Please note - If you are 18 or over

If you have residential or community care services from adult social care, getting Universal Credit could mean you might pay some charges towards them. Click on the button below to find out more.

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In this section

  1. Introduction to the Transition Guide
  2. Preparing for Adulthood
  3. Sheffield's Local Offer
  4. What happens and when - Early Years (age 0-4)
  5. What happens and when - Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 (age 5-7)
  6. What happens and when - Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 (age 7-11)
  7. What happens and when - Year 7 and Year 8 (age 11-13)
  8. What happens and when - Year 9 (age 13-14)
  9. What happens and when - Year 10 (age 14-15)
  10. What happens and when - Year 11 (Age 15-16)
  11. What happens and when - Year 12 (age 16-17)
  12. What happens and when - Years 13 and 14 (Age 17-19)
  13. What happens and when - Age 19-25
  14. Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans - Transition Guide
  15. Education, Employment and Training - GCSEs and Help in Exams - Transition Guide
  16. Post 16 Education - Transition Guide
  17. A Guide to Qualifications at 16+ - Transition Guide
  18. Apprenticeships and Supported Internships - Transition Guide
  19. Things to do when not in college - Transition Guide
  20. University and Higher Education - Transition Guide
  21. Careers Advice - Transition Guide
  22. 1) Help with finding and keeping a job - Transition Guide
  23. 2) Help with finding and keeping a job - Transition Guide
  24. 3) Help with finding and keeping a job - Transition Guide
  25. Leisure - Transition Guide
  26. SEN Transport - Transition Guide
  27. Independent Travel Training
  28. Other Travel Support and useful Apps - Transition Guide
  29. Social Care Services - Transition Guide
  30. Moving from Children’s to Adult Social Care Services - Transition Guide
  31. Paying for adult social care - Transition Guide
  32. Getting a carer’s assessment for your parent/carer - Transition Guide
  33. Short Break Services - Transition Guide
  34. Direct payments for social care services - Transition Guide
  35. Housing - Transition Guide
  36. Decision making and mental capacity - Transition Guide
  37. Transitioning from Children’s Health to Adult Health Services - Transition Guide
  38. Annual Health Checks for people with a learning disability - Transition Guide
  39. Important Local NHS Health Services - Transition Guide
  40. Mental Health Services - Transition Guide
  41. 1) Finance and Benefits: Disability Living Allowance, Direct Payments and Appointeeship - Transition Guide
  42. 2) Finance and Benefits: Universal Credit - Transition Guide
  43. 3) Finance and Benefits: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund - Transition Guide
  44. 4) Finance and Benefits: Banking, Wills and Trusts and Child Benefit - Transition Guide
  45. Further help and support - Transition guide