Overview
To make your claim for Universal Credit as quick and easy as possible, it’s useful to have everything you need before you start.
There is a checklist to help you prepare for your application, which outlines all the steps you will need to complete.
Under ‘What you need to apply’ there is a list of the documents you’ll need before you apply for Universal Credit.
Moving from ESA to Universal Credit
If you’re moving over to Universal Credit from Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), you won’t need another Work Capability Assessment as long as:
- you’ve already completed a Work Capability Assessment.
- you were already claiming Income-related ESA the day before you made your Universal Credit claim. Make sure you apply by the deadline in your Migration Notice.
If your circumstances change you will need to report this straight away. For example, if you have a new health condition, or, if an existing health condition gets better or worse. At this point you may be asked to have a new Work Capability Assessment.
Find out more about claiming Universal Credit if you have a health condition or disability.
How to claim Universal Credit
Most people make their Universal Credit claim online.
If you’re unable to apply online contact the Help to Claim service.
If you live with your partner as a couple, you will need to make a joint claim. To do this, one of you creates an account and sends your partner a code. They use this code to create their own account. Find out more about applying for Universal Credit as a couple.
Find out more about how to claim Universal Credit.
After you have started your claim
There is no need to call the Department for Work and Pensions while your claim is being processed. If your claim was made online, the Department for Work and Pensions will contact you if any further information is needed.
The Department for Work and Pensions will never text or email you asking for personal information or bank details.
You might need an appointment with the Universal Credit team if:
- they need more information
- you cannot verify your identity online
You’ll be told if this appointment will be in a Jobcentre or on the phone.
You may have to go to a meeting to agree the activities in your claimant commitment before you can get your first payment.
You claimant commitment will be based on your personal circumstances, and you’ll have the chance to discuss it before you accept it. Once agreed, it is important that you sign into your online account and accept the claimant commitment quickly to ensure your payments can be made and also that you maintain your entitlement to transitional protection.
Your claimant commitment will be reviewed regularly and can be updated if your circumstances changes. Find out more about your claimant commitment.
It usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first payment.