All numbers in one table
| Line | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit helpline | 0800 328 5644 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
| Universal Credit, Welsh language | 0800 328 1744 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
| Universal Credit, Relay UK | 18001 then 0800 328 5644 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
| New Style JSA or ESA, new claims | 0800 055 6688 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm |
| Relay UK, New Style JSA or ESA new claims | 18001 then 0800 055 6688 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm |
| New Style ESA, new claims in Welsh | 0800 328 1744 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm |
| New Style JSA, new claims in Welsh | 0800 012 1888 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm |
| New Style JSA or ESA, existing claims (Jobcentre Plus helpline) | 0800 169 0310 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm |
| Existing JSA or ESA claim, Welsh language | 0800 328 1744 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm |
| Relay UK, existing JSA or ESA claims | 18001 then 0800 169 0310 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm |
| Number shown for each office in the DWP jobcentre finder | 0800 169 0190 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
| Office line in Welsh (DWP jobcentre finder) | 0800 169 0207 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
Calls to the Universal Credit helpline are free. A British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service is available for the Universal Credit and Jobcentre Plus lines.
Where the office number comes from
The official DWP jobcentre finder asks why you want to contact Jobcentre Plus. For Universal Credit it sends you to the Universal Credit helpline. For anything else it asks for your full postcode and shows the nearest office with its postal address and phone line:
Which number should you call?
- You already claim Universal Credit: write in your online journal first. Use the helpline if you cannot get online.
- You want to claim Universal Credit but cannot do it online: call the helpline to claim by phone, or get free help from Citizens Advice Help to Claim (how to claim).
- You want New Style JSA or ESA: apply online or call the new claims line (JSA and ESA guide).
- You need to rearrange an appointment or have missed one: journal first, straight away (what to do).
- You live in Northern Ireland: use the Universal Credit Service Centre instead (Northern Ireland offices).
Beware of scams
GOV.UK says you will never be asked to share personal information such as bank details in your journal, by phone, text or email. Only use numbers published on GOV.UK or in the DWP jobcentre finder.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Universal Credit helpline number?
0800 328 5644, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Calls are free. Welsh language: 0800 328 1744.
Can I call my local jobcentre directly?
The DWP jobcentre finder shows 0800 169 0190 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Welsh 0800 169 0207) for the offices it lists, not a separate number for each building. For your own claim, the quickest route is your Universal Credit journal or the helpline.
What number do I call about Jobseeker’s Allowance?
For a new New Style JSA or ESA claim, 0800 055 6688. For an existing claim, 0800 169 0310. Both Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
I cannot hear or speak on the phone. How do I call?
Use Relay UK: dial 18001 then the number, for example 18001 then 0800 328 5644. A British Sign Language video relay service is also available.
Which number do I use in Northern Ireland?
GOV.UK says people in Northern Ireland should contact the Universal Credit Service Centre instead. See our Northern Ireland page.
Related guides
Your jobcentre appointment
Why you are called in, how it works and what happens on the day.
What to bring: ID documents
1 photo ID plus 2 supplementary documents, all originals.
Missed or late for an appointment
What to do straight away and what "good reason" means.
Universal Credit sanctions
Levels, how long they last and the daily reduction rates.
Claimant commitment
The agreement with your work coach and how to keep it up to date.
How to claim Universal Credit
Apply online, the 28-day rule and what you need to have ready.
Sources: GOV.UK: Contact Universal Credit · GOV.UK: Universal Credit, how to claim · DWP: Find your nearest jobcentre. 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.