Universal Credit: what you need to know, 9th ed

This guide is a comprehensive overview of universal credit, the means-tested benefit for working-age people needing financial support.

The book is fully updated in 2026 to include the latest rates, rules and regulations, with tips for dealing with common problems. Inside you’ll find dozens of examples illustrating how they apply in practice and plenty of tactical guidance on what to do if things go wrong.

This book is also for you if you’re currently claiming benefits yourself, or if you think you might need to in the future. Use it to find out about universal credit or what to do if you have a problem with your claim.