How to Apply for Universal Credit

If you are on a low income, out of work, unable to work, or need help with your living costs, you may be able to claim Universal Credit.

Most applications are made online and can usually be completed from a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Before starting your application, it is helpful to have:

• Your email address.
• A mobile phone number.
• Your National Insurance number.
• Details of your income and savings.
• Information about your rent or housing costs.
• Details of any children living with you.
• Information about your employment.
• Bank, building society or credit union account details.

Don't worry if you don't have everything ready. You can often provide additional information later if required.

To apply for Universal Credit, you will need to create an online account.

You will be asked to:

• Provide your personal details.
• Create a username and password.
• Set up security questions.
• Verify your contact information.

Your online account will be used to manage your claim and communicate with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

You will need to provide information about:

Including:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number
• Your Household

Including:

• Whether you live with a partner
• Any dependent children
• Other people living in your home
• Your Income and Savings

Including:

• Earnings from work
• Self-employment income
• Benefits you receive
• Savings and investments
• Your Housing Costs

Including:

• Rent payments
• Service charges (where applicable)
• Landlord details

Providing accurate information helps ensure your claim is assessed correctly.

You will usually need to verify your identity as part of your application.

This may be completed online using documents such as:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Credit reference information

If you cannot verify your identity online, the DWP may arrange an alternative method.

After submitting your application, you may be asked to attend an appointment or participate in a telephone interview.

During this appointment, the DWP may discuss:

• Your circumstances.
• Employment status.
• Housing situation.
• Any health conditions.
• Evidence required to support your claim.

It is important to attend any appointments arranged by the DWP.

Most Universal Credit claimants will be asked to accept a Claimant Commitment.

This sets out:

• What you need to do to receive Universal Credit.
• Work-related activities you may be expected to undertake.
• Any responsibilities linked to your claim.

Your requirements will depend on your individual circumstances.

New Universal Credit claims usually take around five weeks before the first payment is made.

This includes:

• A one-month assessment period.
• Time to process the payment.

You can monitor the progress of your claim through your online account.

If you are experiencing financial hardship while waiting for your first payment, you may be able to request a Universal Credit Advance.

An Advance:

• Provides money before your first payment arrives.
• Must be repaid from future Universal Credit payments.
• May be suitable if you have no other means of support.

Consider carefully whether you can afford the repayments before applying.

Once your claim is approved, you will receive:

• A monthly Universal Credit payment.
• Information about how your award has been calculated.
• Details of any deductions or additional elements included in your claim.

You should continue to check your online account regularly and report any changes in circumstances.

You must tell Universal Credit if there are changes to your circumstances, including:

• Starting or leaving a job.
• Changes to earnings.
• Moving home.
• Changes in rent.
• Changes to your household.
• Having a child.
• Changes to your health.

Keeping your information up to date helps prevent payment problems and overpayments.

Our advisors can help you:

• Understand whether you're eligible for Universal Credit.
• Complete a new claim.
• Prepare for appointments.
• Understand your Claimant Commitment.
• Check you're receiving all the support you're entitled to.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.