Here’s how to apply for Universal Credit for the first time, what paperwork you’ll need and how to get help if you’re having difficulty getting online.

Before you apply for Universal Credit

Help to Claim

If you’re claiming Universal Credit for the first time, Citizens Advice has a dedicated service to help you. Call 0800 144 8444 in England or 0800 024 1220 in Wales. In Scotland, call 0800 023 2581, via webchat at Citizens Advice or contact your local branch. In Northern Ireland, Universal Credit works differently. Find out more at indirect.

Before applying for Universal Credit for the first time, it’s important to check how it can affect other benefits you’re already getting or might be entitled to.

In some cases, it might make sense to apply for a different benefit instead of, or alongside Universal Credit.

And if you – and your partner if you’re in a couple – are already getting certain benefits or tax credits, it might not always make sense to move to Universal Credit. In some cases you could end up worse off and unable to go back.

If you’re already claiming a ‘legacy benefit’, and nothing changes in your life you’ll eventually be moved onto Universal Credit. The DWP will tell you when it's time.

However, if you have a change of circumstances, such as losing your job, having a baby or your partner moving in or out of the home, this could mean you now have to claim Universal Credit instead.

Legacy benefits include:

•  Working Tax Credit
•  Child Tax Credit
•  income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
•  income Support
•  income-related Employment and Support Allowance
•  Housing Benefit.

Single or joint application – how it works

Universal Credit awards are based on your household income and savings:

• If you live alone or share a flat or house but are not part of a couple, you’ll be making a single online application.
• If you live with or move in with someone as a couple, you’ll need to make a joint online claim. You’ll have to do this even if your partner isn’t already getting Universal Credit. Only one of you has to complete the online claim form – but whoever does it will need to enter details for both of you.

Universal Credit application paperwork

You’ll need to provide the following information as part of your application:

• bank, building society or credit union account details
• an email address
• housing costs, such as rent or mortgage payments and service charges
• employed or self-employed income
• savings and investment details – for example, shares or a property that you rent out
• any current childcare costs
• your P45 form, if you've lost your job.

To verify your identity online, you’ll also need proof of identity. This could be:

• passport
• debit or credit card
• driving licence.

When should I claim Universal Credit?

Claims for Universal Credit can only be backdated for one month. So if you’re not expecting any more income, it’s a good idea to claim as soon as you can.

However, if you're moving from legacy benefits and you're not sure what the impact will be for you, check with a Help to claim adviser that it's right for you because once you've moved onto Universal Credit, you usually can't move back onto legacy benefits.

If you need help getting online to apply for Universal Credit

Citizens Advice Help to Claim service

If you’re claiming Universal Credit for the first time, Citizens Advice Help to Claim service is free and confidential. They can help you:

• check if you’re entitled to Universal Credit and that it's the right move for you
• get your important paperwork and documents together to speed up your application
• fill out your application online.

England and Wales

For more details at Citizens Advice. Or, in England, call 0800 144 8444. In Wales, call 0800 024 1220

Scotland

Visit Citizens Advice Scotland or call 0800 023 2581

Northern Ireland

Universal Credit works differently. Find out more at nidirect

The Universal Credit helpline

If you need help with your claim, you can call the Universal Credit helpline free on:

• Telephone: 0800 328 5644
• Textphone: 0800 328 1344
• Welsh language: 0800 328 1744

8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (closed on bank and public holidays). Calls are free.

The helpline is very busy because of the current crisis. It’s best to use your online account if you can. Find out more at GOV.UK.