How to Apply for Universal Credit

Universal Credit is the main working-age benefit in the UK, providing financial support for people who are out of work, on a low income, unable to work due to illness or disability, or who need help with housing costs and childcare. This step-by-step guide explains how to apply for Universal Credit in 2026, what information you need, what to expect after you apply and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Who Can Claim Universal Credit?

You can usually claim Universal Credit if you are aged 18 or over and under State Pension age, live in the UK, have savings or capital below £16,000 and are on a low income or out of work. You do not need to be unemployed to claim — the majority of Universal Credit claimants are in work, with UC topping up low wages, contributing to housing costs and helping with childcare.

People aged 16 or 17 can claim in certain circumstances — for example if they have a disability, have to live away from their parents or are responsible for a child. If you live with a partner you will need to make a joint claim. Your combined savings and income will be assessed together.

Savings and capital: If you or your partner have savings between £6,000 and £16,000 you can still claim Universal Credit but your payment will be reduced. Every £250 of savings above £6,000 reduces your monthly UC payment by £4.35. If you have £16,000 or more in savings you are not eligible to claim.

What Universal Credit Replaces

Universal Credit replaces six older benefits for new claimants: Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support. If you are currently receiving any of these legacy benefits you will eventually be moved to Universal Credit as part of the government's managed migration programme. You should not stop claiming your existing benefits until you receive a migration notice from the DWP.

What You Will Need Before You Apply

Before starting your Universal Credit application gather the following information — having it ready will make the process much faster and reduce the risk of your claim being delayed.

• National Insurance number — yours and your partner's if making a joint claim
• Email address and phone number — you will need these to create your GOV.UK account
• Bank, building society or credit union account details — Universal Credit is paid directly into your account
• Proof of identity — a UK passport, driving licence or other accepted document for GOV.UK One Login identity verification
• Housing costs — your rent amount and your landlord's details if you are renting privately or from a housing association
• Income details — payslips if you are employed, or details of your self-employment income if you work for yourself
• Savings and capital — bank statements showing your current savings and any investments or assets
• Childcare costs — if you are claiming for help with childcare
• Health information — if you are claiming because of a health condition or disability, details of your condition and any medical evidence

Step 1 — Create a GOV.UK Account

Universal Credit must be applied for online at gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim. You will first need to create or sign in to a GOV.UK account. This is a single account used across government services. You will need an email address and phone number to create your account — a verification code will be sent to your phone.

If you cannot apply online — for example because you do not have internet access or find it difficult to use a computer — you can call 0800 328 5644 and apply by telephone, or visit your local Jobcentre Plus office where staff can help you complete your application.

Step 2 — Complete the Application Form

Once your account is set up you will be asked a series of questions about your circumstances including whether you are in work, whether you are renting or own your home, whether you have children, whether you have a health condition or disability, and your current income and savings. Answer all questions as accurately and completely as possible — providing incorrect information can result in your claim being delayed or your payments being recalculated later.

For joint claims, one partner completes the online form but will need to enter details for both partners. Both partners will then need to separately verify their identities and complete their own to-do lists in their individual online accounts.

Step 3 — Verify Your Identity

After submitting the application form you will need to verify your identity through GOV.UK One Login. This can usually be done online using a UK passport, driving licence or provisional licence. If the online process does not work for you — for example if you do not have the accepted forms of ID — you can verify your identity in person at your local Jobcentre Plus or by telephone. Do not delay this step as your claim cannot be processed until your identity is confirmed.

Step 4 — Complete Your To-Do List

After submitting your application you will see a to-do list in your Universal Credit online account. This may include completing additional questions about your circumstances, uploading evidence such as rent agreements or payslips, and booking your first work coach appointment. You must complete all items on your to-do list before your claim can be fully processed. Check your account regularly as new tasks can be added.

Step 5 — Attend Your Work Coach Appointment

Before your first Universal Credit payment is made you will need to speak to a work coach — either at your local Jobcentre Plus or by telephone. At this appointment your details will be checked and you will be asked to agree to a Claimant Commitment. The Claimant Commitment sets out what you are expected to do in return for Universal Credit — such as looking for work, attending appointments or participating in training. It is tailored to your individual circumstances including your health, caring responsibilities and the number of hours you are available to work. If anything in the Claimant Commitment seems inaccurate or unreasonable for your circumstances, raise it with your work coach at the appointment before agreeing.

The Five-Week Wait

From the date you submit your Universal Credit claim to receiving your first payment takes approximately five weeks. This is built into the structure of Universal Credit — it is not a processing delay. The first assessment period runs for one calendar month from the date of your claim, and the first payment is then made seven days after the end of that assessment period.

If you cannot afford to wait five weeks for your first payment you can apply for a Universal Credit Advance through your online account or by calling 0800 328 5644. An advance is an interest-free loan of up to one month's Universal Credit payment which is repaid through reductions to your future payments. You should apply for an advance as early as possible in your claim if you need it.

How Universal Credit is Paid

Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears, directly into your bank account. In Scotland you can ask for payments to be made fortnightly instead. In Northern Ireland payments are made every two weeks by default but you can opt for monthly payments. If your payment date falls on a bank holiday or weekend your payment will usually be made on the last working day before.

Your payment amount is calculated at the end of each monthly assessment period based on your circumstances and income during that period. If your earnings change from month to month your Universal Credit payment will adjust accordingly — you do not need to report each payslip manually if you are employed, as HMRC passes earnings information to the DWP automatically through Real Time Information.

Universal Credit Rates 2026/27

Universal Credit includes a standard allowance plus additional elements depending on your circumstances. Additional elements may be added for having children, having a health condition or disability, housing costs, childcare costs and caring responsibilities. Standard allowance rates are uprated each April in line with inflation. Visit gov.uk/universal-credit/what-youll-get for current 2026/27 rates, or use the government's benefits calculator at gov.uk/benefits-calculators to estimate your entitlement based on your individual circumstances.

What Happens After You Start Receiving Universal Credit

Once your claim is active you will need to meet the conditions set out in your Claimant Commitment to keep receiving payments. Depending on your circumstances this may include actively looking for work and recording your job search activities in your online journal, attending regular work coach appointments, participating in work preparation activities or training, or reporting any changes to your circumstances promptly.

Failing to meet your Claimant Commitment requirements without good reason can result in a sanction — a temporary reduction in your Universal Credit payment. If you receive a sanction you have the right to challenge it by asking for a mandatory reconsideration.

Reporting Changes in Circumstances

You must report any changes in circumstances to the DWP as soon as possible through your Universal Credit online journal. Changes that must be reported include starting or stopping work, changes to your earnings, moving home, changes to your household such as a partner moving in or out, changes to your health condition, and changes to your savings or capital. Failing to report a change can result in overpayments which you will be required to repay.

Getting Help with Your Universal Credit Claim

If you need help applying for Universal Credit or managing your claim, your local Jobcentre Plus office can provide support. Citizens Advice also provides free, independent help with Universal Credit claims and appeals — call 0800 144 8848 in England or 0800 250 4259 in Wales. In Scotland, Social Security Scotland handles some devolved benefits — contact them on 0800 182 2222 if you are also claiming Adult Disability Payment or other Scottish benefits.

Use our Jobcentre Plus office directory to find your nearest office with address, telephone numbers and opening hours.

Universal Credit Application — Key Facts Summary

• Apply online at gov.uk/universal-credit — do not delay as you cannot backdate your claim
• You need a NI number, bank details, proof of identity and details of your income, savings and housing costs
• Identity is verified through GOV.UK One Login — use a UK passport or driving licence
• Complete all items on your to-do list promptly or your claim will be delayed
• You must attend a work coach appointment and agree a Claimant Commitment before your first payment
• The first payment takes approximately five weeks — apply for an advance if you cannot wait
• Payments are monthly in arrears (fortnightly in Northern Ireland by default)
• You cannot have savings over £16,000 — savings between £6,000 and £16,000 reduce your payment
• Report any changes in circumstances promptly through your online journal
• If you are on legacy benefits do not claim UC until you receive a migration notice