How To Claim

How to Claim Universal Credit - Your Complete Guide Universal Credit is the UK's main benefit for working-age people, combining six previous benefits into one monthly payment to help with living costs, housing, and childcare. Whether you're making your first claim, transitioning from legacy benefits, or need support with the application process, this guide covers how to claim Universal Credit and serves as your hub for detailed claiming information. From creating your account to receiving your first payment, you'll find everything you need to successfully navigate the claiming process. Basic Steps to Claim Universal Credit To claim Universal Credit, you must follow these essential steps: • Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the age, residency, savings, and other requirements before applying. For full details, see our Universal Credit Eligibility - Who Can Claim? guide. • Gather Required Documents: You'll need proof of identity, bank details, housing information, and details of income or savings. Having everything ready speeds up your application. For a comprehensive checklist, see our Required Documents page. • Create Your Online Account: Most claims are made through GOV.UK, though support is available if you cannot apply online. For step-by-step guidance, see our Creating Your Account page. • Complete Your Application: Provide accurate information about your personal circumstances, housing situation, income, and any dependents. (Please confirm if you have a dedicated "Completing the Application Form" page for linking here). • Verify Your Identity: This can be done online, by phone, or in person at a Jobcentre Plus office. For detailed guidance, see our Verifying Your Identity page. • Accept Your Claimant Commitment: This outlines your work-related requirements and must be agreed to receive payments. • Receive Your First Payment: Your first Universal Credit payment arrives 5 weeks after your claim date, though Advance Payments are available if you need support sooner. For more details, see our Advance Payments guide. Creating Your Universal Credit Account Your Universal Credit claim starts by creating an online account through GOV.UK. You'll typically need: • A valid email address • Your National Insurance number (or evidence you're applying for one) • Access to a phone for text message verification If you cannot create an account online due to disability or lack of digital access, alternative support is available. For step-by-step guidance and troubleshooting, see our Creating Your Account page. Universal Credit Claims for Different Situations Specific situations require different claiming procedures or additional support: • First-Time Claimants: If you've never claimed Universal Credit before, understanding what to expect, common timelines, and how to avoid delays is crucial. For comprehensive first-time guidance, see our First Time Claim guide. • Joint Claims for Couples: If you're married, in a civil partnership, or living together as a couple, you'll usually need to make a joint claim. Both partners must meet eligibility criteria, and you'll receive one monthly payment with specific application requirements for couples. For detailed information, see our Joint Claims Process page. • Transitioning from Legacy Benefits: If you're currently receiving legacy benefits (e.g., Income Support, Housing Benefit, or Tax Credits), you may need to move to Universal Credit through managed migration or natural migration. This process has specific protections and procedures. For comprehensive guidance, see our Transitioning from Legacy Benefits page. • Special Circumstances: Some situations require different claiming procedures or additional support, including homeless individuals, people fleeing domestic violence, care leavers under 25, or those with severe disabilities or mental health conditions. For guidance on these and other special situations, see our Special Circumstances guide. Getting Help with Your Universal Credit Claim If you need assistance with your application, support is available: • Digital Support Services: If you need help using online services, free support is available through Citizens Advice "Help to Claim" service, digital accessibility support for disabled claimants, and assisted digital support at libraries and community centers. For more information, see our Digital Accessibility Support and Help to Claim pages. • Support for Vulnerable Applicants: Additional support is available for vulnerable claimants, including those with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or complex circumstances. This can include help with applications, priority processing, and ongoing claim management. For detailed information, see our Support for Vulnerable Applicants guide. Essential Documentation for Your Claim Having the right documents ready before you start your claim prevents delays and ensures accurate processing. Essential documents typically include: • Proof of identity (passport, driving licence, or birth certificate) • Bank account details for payments • Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy agreement) • Housing costs documentation if claiming the housing element • Details of any income, savings, or other benefits • Child Benefit reference numbers if you have children Different circumstances may require additional evidence. For a comprehensive checklist and guidance on obtaining missing documents, see our Required Documents page. Verifying Your Identity After submitting your application, you must verify your identity before payments can begin. This can be done: • Online using GOV.UK Verify (if available for your circumstances) • By phone for some claimants • In person at a Jobcentre Plus office • By post in exceptional circumstances The verification method depends on your circumstances and the documents you have available. For detailed guidance on each method, see our Verifying Your Identity page. Advance Payments - Getting Money Sooner If you need financial support before your first Universal Credit payment (which arrives 5 weeks after claiming), you can request an Advance Payment. This can be up to 100% of your estimated monthly award and is repaid through deductions from your future Universal Credit payments. Advance Payments are available for: • New claimants waiting for their first payment • Existing claimants experiencing delays • Emergency situations requiring immediate support For eligibility criteria, application process, and repayment terms, see our Advance Payments guide. What Happens After You Apply? Once you've submitted your claim and verified your identity: • Assessment Period Begins: Your claim is assessed over monthly periods starting from your application date. • Work Coach Contact: You'll be assigned a work coach who will discuss your Claimant Commitment. • First Payment: Arrives 5 weeks after your claim date. • Ongoing Management: Use your online account to report changes and manage your claim. For detailed information about managing your claim after approval, see our Managing Your Claim section. Common Claiming Issues and How to Avoid Them Being aware of common pitfalls can help ensure a smoother application process: • Incomplete applications: Ensure all sections are completed before submitting. • Missing documents: Gather everything needed before starting your claim. • Incorrect bank details: Double-check account information to avoid payment delays. • Not responding to requests: Reply promptly to any requests for additional information. • Changes in circumstances: Report any changes immediately through your online account. Conclusion Claiming Universal Credit involves several steps, but with proper preparation and understanding of the process, you can successfully navigate your application. Whether you're a first-time claimant, part of a couple making a joint claim, or transitioning from legacy benefits, it's important to gather the right documents, understand your options for support, and know what to expect during the process. If you encounter difficulties or have complex circumstances, remember that help is available through various support services. Internal Links for Further Reading: • Universal Credit Eligibility - Who Can Claim • First Time Claim Guide • Joint Claims Process • Required Documents Checklist • Creating Your Account • Verifying Your Identity • Advance Payments • Help to Claim Services • Digital Accessibility Support • Support for Vulnerable Applicants • Special Circumstances • Transitioning from Legacy Benefits