Claiming Universal Credit: a step-by-step guide

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work, or cannot work because of illness or disability. Most people claim online, but you can claim by phone if you cannot use the online service. This guide takes you through the claim from start to first payment.

Step 1: check you can claim

To claim you must live in the UK, be 18 or over (there are some exceptions at 16 or 17), be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments. You can be out of work, working (including part time or self-employed) or unable to work. If you live with a partner you make one joint claim, even if your partner is not eligible.

Before you claim, use a benefits calculator to check you will be better off — claiming Universal Credit can end some other benefits you already get.

Step 2: get your details together

• your bank, building society or credit union account details
• an email address and a phone number
• your National Insurance number
• details of your housing, such as rent and your landlord
• details of your earnings, savings and any other benefits
• details of any health condition, and childcare costs if you pay them
• ID such as a driving licence, passport, debit or credit card, or a payslip or P60, to verify your identity

Step 3: make the claim

Create a Universal Credit account on GOV.UK and complete the claim. You must finish it within 28 days of starting, or you will have to begin again. Your claim starts from the day you submit it, so do not delay. In some situations a claim can be backdated by up to one month.

Can't use the online service? Call the helpline to claim by phone. Free, independent help with the claim is also available from Citizens Advice's Help to Claim service: England 0800 144 8 444, Scotland 0800 023 2581, Wales 08000 241 220, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Step 4: verify your identity and agree your commitment

You will be asked to prove who you are, online or at an appointment. You will then have a meeting, usually at the jobcentre, to agree your claimant commitment — what you will do to prepare for or look for work, or increase your earnings. You must accept it in your online account or the claim will stop. Missing what you agreed without a good reason can lead to a sanction.

Step 5: your first payment

Universal Credit is paid monthly. The first payment usually takes around five weeks, because it covers a one-month assessment period plus about seven days. If you need money sooner, you can ask for an advance of up to your first estimated payment — see advances.

How much you could get (2026/27)

Extra amounts can be added for children, disability or health conditions, caring, childcare and housing costs. If you work, your payment goes down by 55p for every £1 you earn after any work allowance. See Universal Credit questions and answers.

After you claim

Manage everything through your online account and journal: check your statement, report changes and reply to messages. Our journal and account guide explains how.

Related guides: New claims · UC questions · Housing costs · Advances

Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.