Benefits A–Z: free numbers and guides
Not sure which number to ring? This page lists the main benefits people ask us about, with the free official number for each and a link to our plain-English guide. Every number below starts 0800 and is free from mobiles and landlines. Relay UK users dial 18001 first.
Universal Credit
A monthly payment for people on a low income or out of work, including help with rent, children and childcare.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit helpline | 0800 328 5644 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Universal Credit (Welsh) | 0800 328 1744 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Northern Ireland Universal Credit Service Centre | 0800 012 1331 | See nidirect |
Guides: claiming · questions and answers · payments · housing costs · childcare · sanctions · advances.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For people aged 16 to State Pension age with a long-term condition that affects daily living or getting around. Not means-tested.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| PIP new claims | 0800 917 2222 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm |
| PIP enquiry line (existing claims) | 0800 121 4433 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm |
Guides: starting a PIP claim · PIP enquiries.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Now only for new claims for children under 16 in England and Wales; some adults still receive it.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| DLA helpline (children; adults born after 8 April 1948) | 0800 121 4600 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm |
| DLA (adults born on or before 8 April 1948) | 0800 731 0122 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
Guide: DLA explained.
Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of an illness or disability.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance helpline | 0800 731 0122 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
Carer's Allowance
£86.45 a week if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they get a qualifying disability benefit. Universal Credit claimants may also get the carer element.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Carer's Allowance Unit | 0800 731 0297 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
Budgeting Loans
Interest-free loans for people who have been on certain older benefits for six months. Universal Credit claimants get a Budgeting Advance instead.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Social Fund Enquiry Line | 0800 169 0140 | Mon–Fri, 10am–3pm |
| Social Fund (Welsh) | 0800 169 0240 | Mon–Fri, 10am–3pm |
Guides: Budgeting Loans · Budgeting Loan number.
New Style JSA and ESA
Contribution-based benefits that depend on your National Insurance record, which you can get alongside or instead of Universal Credit.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Style JSA / ESA new claims | 0800 055 6688 | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
| Jobcentre Plus (existing ESA/JSA claims) | 0800 169 0310 | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
Challenging a decision
For any of these benefits, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration and then appeal to an independent tribunal. See how to appeal. To complain about service, see complaints.
Check what you could get
Free, anonymous benefits calculators on GOV.UK (and Turn2us) show what you might be entitled to. Our UK benefits by situation page helps you work out where to start.
Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.