Get information on Universal Credit

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What you need to do to get paid Universal Credit

You’ll need to carry out tasks regularly to get Universal Credit. This is called a claimant commitment.

Once you’ve submitted your claim, your work coach will invite you to the Jobcentre to sign a claimant commitment and to verify the information you provided. This includes:

  • photo ID
  • housing details such as a tenancy agreement
  • bank details
  • information about your income and savings

Find more advice about going to your interview (Citizens Advice website)

Universal Credit cannot be awarded without a claimant commitment or identification so it's very important to attend the interview.

The claimant commitment sets out the steps you have agreed to take to prepare for work and the number of hours you have agreed to look for work each week.

For people who have moved from Employment and Support Allowance, your appointment will just be to report any changes in circumstances.

If you do not do what you agreed to do, they may reduce the amount of money you receive through a benefit sanction.

You need to tell the work coach about any limitations you have with looking for and preparing for work so that what you agree is manageable.

Limitations could include health problems, disabilities or caring responsibilities. It is recommended that you sign the initial agreement and then later negotiate what may suit you personally. If you do not sign the agreement, you’ll risk losing your claim.

If you’re unable to attend the Jobcentre to sign your claimant commitment due to ill health, you can call Universal Credit to book a telephone appointment instead.

If you need help managing your Universal Credit claim

If you’ve claimed Universal Credit but are having difficulties managing your claim, our Universal Support Team can help. Face-to-face and telephone appointments are available to discuss your difficulties and help you try to resolve them.

For more information, watch our Universal Credits Key Facts video:

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