Universal Credit after a work accident: what you need to know

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 16, 2025

If you have been injured at work and are unable to work, you may be entitled to claim Universal Credit (UC). Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit that provides financial support to people who are on a low income or out of work due to illness or injury.

At a glance

Universal Credit replaces several older benefits and can support you if you cannot work due to a workplace accident.
Your entitlement depends on income, savings, and household circumstances.
You may be asked to attend a Work Capability Assessment.
Universal Credit can be claimed alongside some other benefits, but not all.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment that has replaced six older benefits, including Income Support, Housing Benefit, and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. It is designed to simplify the welfare system and ensure that support is better targeted to those who need it most.

Full details are available on the UK Government website.

Eligibility for Universal Credit after an accident

You may be eligible to apply for UC if:

You are aged 18 or over (with some exceptions for 16-17 year olds).
You are under State Pension age.
You and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings.
Your income has been reduced because you cannot work due to an injury or illness.

Work Capability Assessment

If you apply for UC because you cannot work due to injury, you will usually need to undergo a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). This assessment is used to decide how much support you will receive and whether you are required to look for work in the future.

During the WCA, you may be asked to provide a fit note from your GP and to attend a medical assessment. Based on the findings, you will be placed into one of two groups:

Limited Capability for Work: You will receive financial support but may be expected to prepare for future work.
Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity: You will receive a higher level of support and will not be expected to look for work.

More guidance on the WCA process is available through Citizens Advice.

How much Universal Credit will I get?

The amount you receive depends on your personal and household circumstances, including:

Your age.
Whether you live alone or with a partner.
If you have children or other dependents.
Whether you are paying rent or mortgage costs.

If you are found to have limited capability for work, you may be entitled to an additional element on top of your standard UC payment.

Universal Credit and other benefits

You cannot usually claim Universal Credit at the same time as certain older benefits, such as income-related Employment and Support Allowance. However, you may still be able to receive disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) alongside UC.

How to apply

You can apply online by logging in to your Universal Credit account. During your application, you will be asked to provide information about your income, savings, housing costs, and details of your injury or illness.

After applying, you will usually be invited to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus. You may also need to provide medical evidence to support your claim.

If your claim is refused

If your application for UC is rejected, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. If you are still not satisfied, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. A welfare adviser or Citizens Advice can help you through this process.

Key takeaways

Universal Credit can support you if you cannot work due to a workplace injury.
Your entitlement depends on your income, savings, and household situation.
A Work Capability Assessment will usually decide the level of support you get.
You may be able to claim UC alongside certain disability benefits such as PIP.

External references

GOV.UK: Universal Credit - provides detailed information on eligibility, application process, and how Universal Credit supports those unable to work due to a work-related injury.
Citizens Advice: Universal Credit - offers practical advice on applying for Universal Credit and managing finances after a workplace accident.
GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains how compensation from a work injury claim may affect Universal Credit payments.
GOV.UK: Compensation Recovery Unit - details how the Compensation Recovery Unit handles benefit recovery when receiving injury compensation alongside Universal Credit.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

Do you qualify?
How much compensation could you get?
How does No Win, No Fee work?