Help to Claim Universal Credit

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be:

• out of work
• working (including self-employed or part time)
• unable to work, for example because of a health condition

How much Universal Credit you get depends on:

• your standard allowance
• any extra amounts that apply to you
• any money taken off your payment

If you or your partner are employed, how much Universal Credit you get will depend on how much you earn. Your Universal Credit payment will reduce as you earn more.

Universal Credit is paid once a month, usually into your bank, building society or credit union account.

Your payment can include money for your rent or other housing costs. You’ll usually need to pay this to your landlord.

You can apply for Universal Credit online.

You need to create an account. You use it to make a claim. You must complete your claim within 28 days of creating your account or you will have to start again.

If you live with your partner, you will both need to create accounts. You’ll link them together when you claim. You cannot claim by yourself.

If you cannot claim online, you can claim by phone through the Universal Credit helpline.

If you need help to pay your bills or cover other costs while you wait for your first Universal Credit payment, you can apply to get an advance.

The most you can get as an advance is the amount of your first estimated payment.

You can apply for an advance payment in your online account or through your Jobcentre Plus work coach.