Universal Credit: Help to Claim
Universal Credit works differently from other benefits – so if you’re moving from another benefit, it is important to know the differences.
The biggest differences are:
- you can get Universal Credit if you are unemployed, but also if you are working
- you’ll get a single payment each month, rather than weekly or fortnightly
- instead of getting a seperate housing benefit payment, your housing costs will be paid directly to you as part of your monthly Universal Credit payment
- the benefit is claimed and managed online. You will need an email account and access to the internet to make and maintain your claim.
Whether you should apply for Universal Credit, will depend on your circumstances – check if you can apply by calling our Help to Claim service.
Help to Claim is a dedicated service from Citizens Advice. It is free, independent, confidential and impartial. Our trained advisers can help with things like how to gather evidence for your application or how to prepare for your work coach appointment.
You can contact an adviser through our free national Help to Claim phone service on 0800 144 8444 (Help to Claim enquiries only. Callers enquiring about any other issue, will be advised to call us on Adviceline on 0808 278 7804
Online, self-help advice:
For online advice about Universal Credit, click here to visit the Citizens Advice website.
Speak to an adviser via Webchat: