Guidance

Easy read: Universal Credit

These easy read guides explain what Universal Credit is and how you can apply for it.

• From: Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 6 May 2020
• Last updated: 31 July 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 31 July 2026

     Updated the English and Welsh versions of the following easy read guides: 'Introduction to Universal Credit', 'Who can claim Universal Credit', 'Before you apply for Universal Credit', and 'How to apply for Universal Credit'. The new versions are dated July 2026.

  2. 26 August 2025

     Updates to Universal Credit easy read documents in line with amendments made to source content.

  3. 29 September 2022

     Added easy read guides on 'Before you apply for Universal Credit' (UC3ER) and 'How to apply for Universal Credit' (UC4ER) - English and Welsh versions.

  4. 25 February 2021

     Published an updated version of the introduction to Universal Credit easy read to reflect the change in the rules allowing people with a severe disability premium to claim Universal Credit from 27 January 2021.

  5. 27 January 2021

     Added 'Who can claim Universal Credit: easy read'. Temporarily removed 'Introduction to Universal Credit: easy read' while it is being updated because people who are entitled to a severe disability premium, or have been within a month, can claim Universal Credit from 27 January 2021.

  6. 16 December 2020

     Added information about the video relay service if you are deaf and use British Sign Language.

  7. 6 May 2020

     Added translation

Documents

Introduction to Universal Credit: easy read

Ref: UC1ER

PDF, 1.16 MB, 12 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@dwp.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Who can claim Universal Credit: easy read

Ref: UC2ER

PDF, 2.38 MB, 21 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@dwp.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Before you apply for Universal Credit: easy read

Ref: UC3ER

PDF, 1.98 MB, 14 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@dwp.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

How to apply for Universal Credit: easy read

Ref: UC4ER

PDF, 2.19 MB, 18 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@dwp.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

These easy read guides tell you:

• what Universal Credit is
• who can get Universal Credit
• how to apply for Universal Credit

Easy read documents are designed to make information accessible to people with learning disabilities. If you do not need an easy read format, read the Universal Credit guidance.