MILLIONS of households claim Universal Credit but you might be looking to move onto the benefit and not know how.
Universal Credit is a payment that’s designed to help with living costs and is usually paid monthly.
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The government said there were 5.7million people on the benefit as of July 2022.
Millions more are due to be “migrated” across from old-style legacy benefits by the end of 2028.
That means those on Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Working Tax Credit.
But the welfare system can be complicated to get your head around if you’ve not used it before.
If you are looking to move onto the benefit, there’s steps you need to take. Below, we explain all.
Check if you’re eligible
The first thing you’ll need to do is check if you can claim Universal Credit in the first place.
You’ll have to be on a low income, or need help with your living costs. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be out of work though.
For example, you could be:
- out of work
- working (including self-employed or part-time)
- unable to work, for example if you have a health condition
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You must also meet other criteria. You must:
- live in the UK
- be aged 18 or over
- be under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
You can also get Universal Credit if you’re 16 or 17 if you meet certain criteria, including having a health condition or disability, or if you’re responsible for a child.
The full list is included on the government’s website.
Create an account and make a claim
If you are eligible for Universal Credit, the next step is to create an account and make a claim. You can do this online in the first instance.
If you live with your partner, you will both need to create accounts. You’ll link them together when you claim and you can’t claim by yourself.
Crucially, you have to submit a Universal Credit claim within 28 days of creating your account.
After you’ve submitted a claim, you’ll be offered an interview with Jobcentre Plus within 10 days.
If you can’t claim online you can call the Universal Credit helpline, which is 0800 328 5644.
What information will I need to hand?
There’s certain paperwork you’ll need if you’re applying for Universal Credit. The full list includes:
- your email address
- your telephone number
- your postcode
- your National Insurance number
- proof of your nationality
- your housing details
- details about people who live with you – such as your partner, children you are responsible for, or lodgers
- Child Benefit reference numbers, if you receive it
- employer details, if you or your partner are working
- details about any earnings or other income you or your partner have
- details of any savings, investments or other capital you or your partner have
- details of any other benefits you receive
- information about your health
- details of the account your payments will go into, such as a bank, building society or credit union account.
Crucially, the bank account will need to be a current account and can’t be a savings account and it must also be in your name.
If you don’t have bank details, an email address or access to a phone, you can call the Universal Credit helpline or go to your nearest jobcentre to make a claim.
You can also get support from the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.
