How to claim Universal Credit

Before you apply

If you already get other benefits, check whether you will be better off first. GOV.UK warns that if you apply for Universal Credit those benefits might end and you will not be able to apply for them again, even if your application is not approved. You can use a benefits calculator, the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service or a local benefits adviser.

The claim, step by step

1. Create an account online. If you live with your partner, you both create accounts and link them when you claim.
2. Complete the claim within 28 days of creating the account, or you will have to start again. The claim starts on the date you submit it.
3. Prove your identity online if you can. If you cannot, you may be asked to do it in person at a jobcentre or at home (documents needed).
4. Go to the meeting to agree your claimant commitment. This has to happen before your first payment.

What you need

To apply online you need a bank, building society or credit union account, an email address and access to a phone. If you do not have these, call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a jobcentre. To complete the claim you will be asked about:

• your housing, for example how much rent you pay
• your earnings, for example payslips
• your National Insurance number, if you have one
• other benefits you get
• any disability or health condition that affects your work
• how much you pay for childcare, if you want help with childcare costs
• your savings and investments, such as shares or a property you rent out

For identity, GOV.UK mentions documents such as a driving licence, passport, debit or credit card, payslip or P60.

After you apply

You are given a case manager who checks your claim, and a work coach if you need to look for work. If DWP needs to contact you, it will be in the first few weeks, through messages in your journal; you usually get a text or email alert. You might be asked to attend an appointment, either at a jobcentre or by phone. If you disagree with a decision about your claim, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.

Backdating

If you or your partner were delayed in claiming through no fault of your own, you can backdate by up to one month in certain circumstances, for example if you have a disability, health problems stopped you claiming earlier, the online service was not working and you claimed as soon as it was working again, you were not told another benefit was going to stop, or your partner did not complete a joint claim. Ask in your account, by phone or through your work coach; you may be asked for evidence.

Help with your claim

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to finish my Universal Credit claim?

You must complete your claim within 28 days of creating your account, or you will have to start again. Your claim starts on the date you submit it.

Can I claim Universal Credit by phone?

Yes, if you cannot claim online you can claim by phone through the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Do couples make one claim?

If you live with your partner, you both need to create accounts and link them when you claim. You cannot claim by yourself.

Can I go to a jobcentre to claim?

If you do not have a bank, building society or credit union account, an email address or access to a phone, GOV.UK says you can call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a jobcentre.

Can I backdate my claim?

In certain circumstances, by up to one month, for example if a disability or health problems stopped you claiming earlier, or the online service was not working and you claimed as soon as it was working again. Ask in your account, by phone or through your work coach.

Related guides

Sources: GOV.UK: Universal Credit, how to claim · GOV.UK: Contact Universal Credit. Jobcentre Offices is independent and not affiliated with the DWP or Jobcentre Plus. Rules and rates change: confirm on GOV.UK or with your work coach before you act.