Universal credit

What we have learned after 15 years of universal credit – and what must change
jobcentre plus/ dwp
Lucy Bannister

What we have learned after 15 years of universal credit – and what must change

The white paper detailing plans for universal credit was published 15 years ago, although it wasn't officially implemented until 2013. Here's what we have learned since then
Universal credit flaws are driving people to food banks. It's time it covered the essentials
A Trussell food bank worker sorting food parcels
Ayaz Manji

Universal credit flaws are driving people to food banks. It's time it covered the essentials

15 years on, it's time we made universal credit the game changer it can be 
Then prime minister David Cameron and his chancellor George Osborne.
Iain Porter

15 years on, it's time we made universal credit the game changer it can be 

Universal credit sanctions more 'severe' and 'damaging' than criminal fines, report finds
Universal credit

Universal credit sanctions more 'severe' and 'damaging' than criminal fines, report finds

What benefits can I claim from the DWP to help me cover the cost of living?
Benefits

What benefits can I claim from the DWP to help me cover the cost of living?

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Universal credit is set to rise – but it needs to be based on the amount we actually need to get by
two people in a supermarket
 Katie Schmuecker

Universal credit is set to rise – but it needs to be based on the amount we actually need to get by

Universal credit should increase by 6.2% in 2026. Here's what you need to know
rachel reeves
Universal credit

Universal credit should increase by 6.2% in 2026. Here's what you need to know

Everything you need to know about how to apply for universal credit
Stock image of mother and baby
Universal credit

Everything you need to know about how to apply for universal credit

Universal credit is back in the dock – this time at the United Nations
Delegates from around the world at the United Nations.
Rick Burgess and Alex Firth

Universal credit is back in the dock – this time at the United Nations

Here's when people will get their benefits from the DWP over Christmas in 2025
dwp benefits christmas/ bauble
Christmas

Here's when people will get their benefits from the DWP over Christmas in 2025

Labour faces another mass rebellion over reforms to the universal credit system, MPs fear
Keir Starmer
Benefits

Labour faces another mass rebellion over reforms to the universal credit system, MPs fear

I'm a single dad asking Keir Starmer and his government to do more to tackle child poverty
Left: Jonny Roberts. Right: Keir Starmer speaking with school children.
Jonny Roberts

I'm a single dad asking Keir Starmer and his government to do more to tackle child poverty

DWP plans could see more than 50,000 disabled people lose access to vital work support
Jobcentre Plus
Disabled people

DWP plans could see more than 50,000 disabled people lose access to vital work support

What is universal credit? The DWP benefit explained
universal credit
Universal credit

What is universal credit? The DWP benefit explained

Universal credit sanctions 'undermine' Jobcentre employment support, DWP warned by MPs
A DWP Jobcentre
Department for Work and Pensions

Universal credit sanctions 'undermine' Jobcentre employment support, DWP warned by MPs

Five-week universal credit wait for claimants is a baffling own goal – here's the proof
looking down on a table that has a notebook open on it alongside a pen, calculator and an apple // housing benefit
Juliette Flach

Five-week universal credit wait for claimants is a baffling own goal – here's the proof

Homeless people risk losing benefits if they don't move to universal credit, DWP warns
dwp
Universal credit

Homeless people risk losing benefits if they don't move to universal credit, DWP warns

'Getting benefits eased pressure on my family': £9.6bn of universal credit went unclaimed in the last 12 months
universal credit
Benefits

'Getting benefits eased pressure on my family': £9.6bn of universal credit went unclaimed in the last 12 months

DWP penalises universal credit claimant despite getting new job: 'Congratulations – you're sanctioned'
jobcentre plus/ dwp
Universal credit

DWP penalises universal credit claimant despite getting new job: 'Congratulations – you're sanctioned'

How cancer patients could suffer after Labour's cuts to universal credit
Dr Millie Light
Millie Light

How cancer patients could suffer after Labour's cuts to universal credit

Universal credit cuts will push 50,000 into poverty despite government's U-turn, MPs warn
Liz Kendall
Disability benefits

Universal credit cuts will push 50,000 into poverty despite government's U-turn, MPs warn

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
DWP’s 'unhealthy' AI obsession is trapping people in poverty, Amnesty report finds
dwp
Artificial intelligence

DWP’s 'unhealthy' AI obsession is trapping people in poverty, Amnesty report finds

MPs vote to make Labour's 'reckless' benefits bill into law – despite disabled people's fears. Now what?
Liz Kendall speaking in parliament
Disability benefits

MPs vote to make Labour's 'reckless' benefits bill into law – despite disabled people's fears. Now what?

Homeless young people slapped with £1,800 carpet bill after finally being housed
A furnished bedroom
Homelessness

Homeless young people slapped with £1,800 carpet bill after finally being housed

MPs vote to take forward 'brutal' cuts to disability benefits: 'It will come to haunt this government'
Liz Kendall
Disability benefits

MPs vote to take forward 'brutal' cuts to disability benefits: 'It will come to haunt this government'