Universal Credit is a financial support system designed to help individuals and families manage their living costs. You can apply for Universal Credit online, but you must complete your application within 28 days of creating an account. If you are unable to apply online, you can apply by phone through the Universal Credit helpline.
Before applying, it’s important to check if Universal Credit is the best option for you, especially if you are currently receiving other benefits or tax credits. Once you apply for Universal Credit, you may lose your existing benefits and cannot reapply for them, even if your Universal Credit claim is denied.
Should You Apply for Universal Credit?
If you already receive benefits or tax credits, you should first check if you would be better off on Universal Credit before applying.
Ways to Check Before Applying
- Use a benefits calculator
- Contact Citizens Advice Help to Claim
- Speak to a local benefits adviser
Applying for Universal Credit may stop your current benefits permanently, so make sure you assess your financial situation first.
How to Apply for Universal Credit Online
1. Create an Online Account
- You and your partner (if applicable) must create separate accounts.
- Accounts must be linked when claiming as a couple.
- You must submit your claim within 28 days, or you will have to start again.
2. Provide Necessary Information
To apply, you need the following:
- Bank, building society, or credit union account details
- Email address
- Phone access
If you don’t have these, you can call the Universal Credit helpline or visit a jobcentre for support.
3. Verify Your Identity
You must provide documents to confirm your identity, such as:
- Driving licence
- Passport
- Debit or credit card
- Payslip or P60
4. Submit Additional Information
You must also provide details about:
- Housing – How much rent you pay
- Earnings – Payslips or income details
- National Insurance number (if you have one)
- Other benefits you receive
- Health conditions or disabilities affecting your work
- Childcare costs (if you need help paying for childcare)
- Savings and investments, including rental properties or shares
Appointments and Claimant Commitment
When You Need an Appointment
You may need an appointment with the Universal Credit team if:
- More information is required.
- You cannot verify your identity online.
You will be informed if your appointment will take place at a jobcentre or over the phone.
Agreeing to the Claimant Commitment
Before receiving your first payment, you must:
- Attend a meeting
- Agree to activities in your claimant commitment
This is required to complete your application and start receiving Universal Credit payments.
Alternative Ways to Apply
If you cannot apply online, you can apply by phone through the Universal Credit helpline.
Universal Credit Helpline:
- Phone: 0800 328 5644
- Welsh Language: 0800 328 1744
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 328 5644
- Available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
You can also use the Help to Claim service by Citizens Advice, which provides confidential support with your application.
If You’ve Claimed Universal Credit Before
If you previously claimed Universal Credit, you can sign in to your account to start a new claim.
Can You Backdate Your Claim?
You may be able to backdate your claim by up to one month if:
- You have a disability.
- You had health problems that prevented you from applying earlier.
- The online service was down, and you applied as soon as it was available again.
- You were receiving another benefit that stopped, but you weren’t informed.
- Your partner didn’t complete their claim, and you are now claiming as a single person.
To request backdated payments, you can:
- Make a request in your Universal Credit account
- Call the helpline
- Speak to your work coach
You may be asked to provide evidence to support your request.
What If You Disagree with a Universal Credit Decision?
If you believe a decision on your Universal Credit claim is incorrect, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration. This means your case will be reviewed again to ensure the correct decision was made.
Applying for Universal Credit is a straightforward online process, but it’s important to check if it’s the right financial decision before submitting a claim. If you already receive benefits or tax credits, applying for Universal Credit may permanently end them, even if your claim is denied.
To apply, you need to create an account, verify your identity, and provide details about your income, housing, and other financial information. If you have difficulty applying online, you can get support from the Universal Credit helpline or Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.
If your claim is delayed due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be able to backdate it for up to one month. If you disagree with a decision, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration.
For help with your claim, contact the Universal Credit helpline or seek advice from a benefits adviser.
FAQ’s
How do I apply for Universal Credit?
You can apply online by creating an account and submitting your claim within 28 days. If you cannot apply online, you can apply by phone through the Universal Credit helpline.
What documents do I need to apply for Universal Credit?
You need your bank details, email address, phone access, and identity documents such as a passport, driving licence, or debit/credit card.
Can I backdate my Universal Credit claim?
Yes, you can backdate your claim by up to one month if you had a valid reason, such as a disability, health issue, or technical problems with the online service.
Can I apply for Universal Credit if I already receive benefits?
Yes, but applying for Universal Credit may permanently stop your existing benefits, and you won’t be able to reapply for them, even if your claim is denied.
How can I challenge a Universal Credit decision?
If you disagree with a decision, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration to have your case reviewed again.
