How to claim Universal Credit
If you are currently receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
If you’re already receiving benefits and have a change in circumstance, get advice from our Welfare Rights Team.
Some people may receive less money under Universal Credit compared to their current benefit.
We can check to make sure if you should make a claim or if you should wait for your Managed Migration Notice letter. Find out more about the switchover process
It’s important to check before switching to Universal Credit because you cannot reclaim your previous benefits at a later date. This includes if you claim Universal Credit by mistake or because of advice you’ve been given.
Some changes in circumstance will trigger a new Universal Credit claim (such as moving out of the borough) and others will not (for example changing address within the same borough), meaning you can remain on your existing benefits.
How to claim
You can make and manage your claim on the GOV.UK website. You can also make a claim over the phone.
If you need help to claim Universal Credit
The Citizens Advice Bureau provide a "Help to Claim" service for Universal Credit. Contact them by phone on 0800 144 8444 or by visiting their website.
They can help you to make an online or telephone claim if you’re unable to make or sustain an online claim due to ill health, disability or another vulnerability.
Alternatively, you can also contact the Universal Credit helpline from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm:
- Telephone: 0800 328 5644
- Welsh language: 0800 012 1888
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344