There are several ways to contact Jobcentre Plus depending on whether you need to make a new benefit claim, manage an existing Universal Credit claim, book an appointment or visit your local office. This guide covers all the main contact numbers, online services and postal addresses for Jobcentre Plus in 2026.
Universal Credit Contact Number
Universal Credit is the main working-age benefit administered by Jobcentre Plus. If you are claiming Universal Credit or need to make a new claim, use the following contact details.
- Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644
- Welsh Language: 0800 328 1744
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 328 5644
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
For most Universal Credit queries — reporting changes, checking payment dates, messaging your work coach or uploading documents — your Universal Credit online account is faster than calling and is available 24 hours a day.
New Benefit Claims
To make a new claim for Universal Credit or other working-age benefits, call the new claims line. Most new claimants of working age will be directed to Universal Credit rather than legacy benefits such as JSA or ESA.
- New Benefit Claims: 0800 055 6688
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support
If you have an existing Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support claim use the following number. Note that JSA, ESA and Income Support are closed to most new claimants — new claims are directed to Universal Credit.
- JSA, ESA and Income Support (existing claims): 0800 169 0190
- Textphone: 0800 169 0314
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Other DWP Benefit Contact Numbers
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): 0800 121 4433 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm)
- Pension Credit: 0800 99 1234 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
- Carer's Allowance: 0800 731 0297 (Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm, Fri 8:30am-4:30pm)
- Social Fund and Budgeting Loans: 0800 169 0140 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
- Tax Credits: 0345 300 3900 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
- Maternity Allowance and Bereavement Benefits: 0800 169 0283 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
- Welsh Language Helpline: 0800 169 0207 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
- General Textphone: 0800 169 0314
All 0800 numbers are free to call from UK landlines and mobile phones. The 0345 number for Tax Credits is charged at the same rate as a standard 01 or 02 number and is included in most mobile phone contract allowances.
Scotland — Social Security Scotland
In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and is administered by Social Security Scotland rather than the DWP. Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and other devolved benefits are also administered by Social Security Scotland.
- Social Security Scotland: 0800 182 2222 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
Northern Ireland — Jobs and Benefits Offices
In Northern Ireland, employment and benefit services are delivered through Jobs and Benefits offices administered by the Department for Communities (DfC) rather than the DWP.
- Department for Communities (NI): 0800 022 4250
- Universal Credit (NI): 0800 012 1331
Contacting Jobcentre Plus Online
Most Universal Credit claimants manage their claims primarily through their online account rather than by phone. Through your Universal Credit account you can report changes in circumstances, view payment schedules, message your work coach, upload documents, request advance payments, book appointments and update your job search records. Log in or register at gov.uk/sign-in-universal-credit.
Job vacancies can be searched 24 hours a day through the government's Find a Job service at findajob.dwp.gov.uk. You can create a free account, upload a CV and set up job alerts without visiting a Jobcentre.
Contacting Jobcentre Plus by Post
For formal correspondence including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals, send letters by recorded delivery and keep a copy. The Universal Credit postal address is:
Universal Credit
PO Box 10
Wolverhampton
WV98 2AB
For other DWP benefits write to the office shown on your most recent correspondence. For formal complaints that have not been resolved through your local Jobcentre Plus, contact the Independent Case Examiner on 0800 343 5000.
Visiting Your Local Jobcentre Plus
Most Jobcentre Plus services now require a pre-booked appointment. Appointments are arranged through your Universal Credit online journal or by calling 0800 169 0190. Walk-in access is available at some offices for urgent queries and job search computer terminals but is increasingly limited — always call ahead before visiting without an appointment.
Jobcentre Plus offices are open Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Most offices open later at 10:00am on Wednesdays. All offices are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Use our Jobcentre Plus office directory to find your nearest office with address, opening hours and local telephone numbers.
Making a Complaint
If you are unhappy with the service you have received, raise the matter first with your work coach or the manager at your local Jobcentre Plus. If that does not resolve the issue, make a formal complaint by calling 0800 169 0190 or through your Universal Credit online account. If you are still not satisfied after receiving a formal response, ask the Independent Case Examiner to review your case on 0800 343 5000. As a final step, your MP can refer the matter to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Tips for Calling Jobcentre Plus
Wait times are longest on Monday mornings and around lunchtime. Mid-morning between 10:00am and 11:30am and mid-afternoon between 2:00pm and 4:00pm are generally quieter. Have your National Insurance number, postcode and any relevant reference numbers to hand before calling. Make a note of the adviser's name and any reference numbers given during the call.
Independent Advice and Support
If you need independent advice about benefits or are struggling to resolve an issue with the DWP, the following organisations offer free support.
- Citizens Advice England: 0800 144 8848
- Citizens Advice Wales: 0800 250 4259
- Turn2Us (benefits calculator and grants finder): turn2us.org.uk
- StepChange (free debt advice): 0800 138 1111
- Shelter (housing and homelessness): 0808 800 4444
Please note: This website is independently maintained and is not affiliated with the Department for Work and Pensions or GOV.UK. Contact numbers are accurate as of June 2026 but may change. Always verify with GOV.UK or your local Jobcentre Plus before acting on this information.
