How do I apply for Universal Credit?

What you need before you start

Gather these first. It makes the claim quicker.

• Bank details: a bank, building society or credit union account.
• An email address and a phone.
• Proof of identity: for example a driving licence, passport, debit or credit card, payslip or P60.
• Your National Insurance number.
• Housing details: for example how much rent you pay.
• Earnings: details such as payslips.
• Other benefits you already get.
• Health: details of any disability or health condition.
• Childcare costs, if you have them.
• Savings and investments: including shares, or a property you rent out.

If you live with a partner, you both need your own details.

How to apply, step by step

1. Create an online account on the Universal Credit service on GOV.UK.
2. Complete your claim within 28 days of creating the account. If you do not, you must start again.
3. Couples: each of you creates an account, and you link them when you claim.
4. Verify your identity online using your documents. If you cannot, you may need an appointment.
5. Submit your claim. Your claim starts on the date you submit it, so do not delay.
6. Go to any appointment the Universal Credit team asks for, for example to check your identity or get more information.
7. Agree your claimant commitment at a meeting. This is a list of things you agree to do, such as looking for work. You must do this before your first payment.

Time and cost

It is free to apply. Never pay anyone to claim for you.

It usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first payment. Universal Credit is then paid once a month, usually into your bank account. In Scotland, you can choose to be paid twice a month.

If you cannot manage until then, you can ask for an advance on your first payment. You usually pay it back from your future payments within 24 months.

If you cannot apply online

Call the Universal Credit helpline, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm:

You can also get free, confidential help to claim from the Help to Claim service run by Citizens Advice in England, Scotland and Wales.

After you apply

• You get a case manager who checks your claim and helps you manage it.
• You may get a work coach if you need to look for work or prepare for it.
• They send messages to the journal in your online account, so check it often.
• Report any change in your circumstances through your account.

In Northern Ireland

Universal Credit in Northern Ireland is run separately. You claim online through nidirect. You need your postcode, an email address, bank details, rent and landlord details if you rent, and details of your savings and other income. Payments are made twice a month, and help with rent is paid straight to your landlord.

Related guides

• Am I eligible for Universal Credit?
• Can I get a Universal Credit advance?
• When will I get my Universal Credit payment?
• How much Universal Credit will I get?
• What is Universal Credit?

Where this comes from

• Universal Credit: how to claim, GOV.UK
• Universal Credit: how you're paid, GOV.UK
• Get an advance on your first payment, GOV.UK
• Claim Universal Credit online, nidirect
• How much Universal Credit you get and how you're paid, nidirect