What is Jobcentre Plus?

For people looking for work or claiming working-age benefits in England, Scotland or Wales.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Jobcentre Plus is part of the Department for Work and Pensions. It handles working-age benefits and helps people find work.

You can contact it about new benefit claims, existing claims and appointments.
Work coaches give job search help, CV and interview support, and training.
New Style JSA new claims: 0800 055 6688, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Universal Credit helpline: 0800 328 5644, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Find your nearest office with the local office search.

Different in Northern Ireland

Contact your Jobs and Benefits office instead.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Run by DWP
UC helpline: 0800 328 5644
JSA new claims: 0800 055 6688
NI: Jobs and Benefits offices

What Jobcentre Plus is

Jobcentre Plus is the part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that runs local jobcentres. It deals with working-age benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). It also helps people get ready for work and find jobs.

Who it is for

Jobcentre Plus is for anyone who wants help finding work, whatever their circumstances. It is also where you go if you claim a working-age benefit and need to meet a work coach.

What it can help with

A work coach. You may have your own work coach who you meet regularly to talk about your job goals.
Job search help. This includes help with your CV, interview practice, and computers you can use to apply for jobs.
Getting ready for work. Training, guidance, work placements, work experience and job trial schemes.
Finding jobs. You can search for vacancies on the GOV.UK Find a job service.
Extra support for young people. People aged 16 to 24 on Universal Credit may get extra tailored help.

Local jobcentres also hold events where you can hear from employers who are recruiting in your area.

How to contact Jobcentre Plus

You can contact Jobcentre Plus about new claims, existing claims and changing or cancelling an appointment.

What it is about	Phone	Opening hours
New Style JSA new claims	0800 055 6688 (Welsh: 0800 012 1888)	Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Universal Credit	0800 328 5644 (Welsh: 0800 328 1744)	Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Existing JSA, ESA or Incapacity Benefit claims	0800 169 0310 (Welsh: 0800 169 0207)	Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Social Fund	0800 169 0140	Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm
Maternity Allowance	0800 169 0283	Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm
Bereavement benefits	0800 151 2012	Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK: dial 18001 then the number. A British Sign Language video relay service is also available.

If you have a Universal Credit account, you can also contact them through it.

How to apply for help

Most benefits are claimed online. For example, you can apply for New Style JSA online, unless you are under 18 or applying for someone else. To speak to your local jobcentre, use the local office search, or check the address on letters you have been sent.

Things to know

If you have accessibility needs, GOV.UK has a page on getting help with benefits and pensions. The contact page links to it.
You can complain about the service using the DWP complaints procedure.
The contact page also links to services to apply for a National Insurance number or find a lost one.

If you live in Northern Ireland

For JSA, contact your Jobs and Benefits office. For ESA, contact the ESA Centre. Both are listed on nidirect.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Find your nearest Jobcentre

Common questions

How do I find my nearest Jobcentre?

Use the DWP local office search, or check the address on letters you have been sent.

How do I complain about Jobcentre Plus?

You can complain about the service using the DWP complaints procedure.

What number do I call about an existing JSA or ESA claim?

Call 0800 169 0310, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Official sources

1.Contact Jobcentre Plus (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
2.Jobcentre Plus support (JobHelp, DWP)jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/looking-for-the-right-job/jobcentre-plus-support-2/
3.Contact Jobcentre Plus: new benefit claims (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus/new-benefit-claims
4.Contact Universal Credit (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/universal-credit/contact-universal-credit
5.Contact Jobcentre Plus: existing benefit claims (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus/existing-benefit-claims

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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