The monthly amounts are the same across the UK. The differences are in how and when the money arrives, and in the help Northern Ireland adds on top.
Quick facts
- Paid
- Twice a month (you can ask for monthly)
- First payment
- 50% of your monthly amount, the rest a couple of weeks later
- Single, 25 or over
- £424.90 a month
- Couple, either 25 or over
- £666.97 a month
- Rent
- Housing element paid to your landlord
- Bedroom tax
- Topped up by mitigation payments
Paid twice a month
In Northern Ireland, Universal Credit is paid twice a month into your bank, building society or credit union account. Your first payment is half of your monthly amount, and the rest follows a couple of weeks later.
If you would rather have one payment a month, you can ask for that. Message your work coach in your Universal Credit online account.
How much you get
Your monthly standard allowance depends on your age and whether you claim as a couple:
- Single and under 25: £338.58
- Single and 25 or over: £424.90
- Couple, both under 25: £528.34 for you both
- Couple, either of you 25 or over: £666.97 for you both
Extra amounts can be added for children, childcare, a disability or health condition, or caring. If you care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week, you may get an extra £209.34 a month.
Your rent goes to your landlord
The housing element is paid directly to your landlord in Northern Ireland. If you meet certain conditions, you can ask for it to be paid to you so you pay your own rent.
The housing element may not cover all of your rent. Private rents are capped by local limits, and there are eight of these areas in Northern Ireland.
Bedroom tax is topped up here
If your social home has a bedroom you do not need, your housing element is cut by 14 per cent. With two or more spare bedrooms, the cut is 25 per cent.
In Northern Ireland you are entitled to mitigation payments that make up that cut. Contact the Welfare Supplementary Payments team to check, or read our guide below.
Common questions
Is Universal Credit paid monthly in Northern Ireland?
No, it is normally paid twice a month. You can ask to be paid monthly instead.
Does Universal Credit pay my landlord directly in Northern Ireland?
Yes. The housing element is paid directly to your landlord, though you can ask for it to be paid to you if you meet certain conditions.
Is there a bedroom tax in Northern Ireland?
The size rules apply to Universal Credit, but Northern Ireland pays mitigation payments to make up the cut.
How much is the Universal Credit standard allowance?
£424.90 a month if you are single and 25 or over, or £666.97 for a couple where either of you is 25 or over.