To make a claim for Universal Credit you need to complete an online application form:
Before you start
If you’re inactive for more than 20 minutes your session will time out and you’ll have to start again. Make sure you have the following information before you start:
- your postcode
- your National Insurance number
- details of the bank, building society or credit union account you want Universal Credit paid into
- your rent agreement (if you have one)
- details of your savings or other capital
- details of any income that’s not from work, such as, from an insurance plan
- details of any other benefits you’re getting.
You might also need these details for people who live in your home, such as your partner. It should take 20 to 40 minutes to complete your claim. Do not delay making your claim for Universal Credit as claims are not normally backdated.
If you’re successful, you’ll usually get your first payment 5 weeks after you made your claim.
Apply to make a claim for Universal Credit
If you pay council tax and did not indicate that you wanted to make a claim for Local Council Tax Reduction on your Universal Credit application you need to make a separate claim for council tax support.