Universal Credit is a means-tested, non-taxable benefit that's paid monthly. It's designed to help you if you're on a low income or out of work.
Universal Credit had been rolled out to all areas of the UK by December 2018 and is gradually replacing the following 'legacy' benefits:
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit.
If you currently receive any of these benefits, you'll continue to get them as normal unless your circumstances change or you get a letter, known as a Migration Notice, telling you that you need to switch to Universal Credit.
Most people can no longer make a new claim for a legacy benefit, and instead need to claim Universal Credit.