How to apply for Universal Credit

Eligibility

You can apply for Universal Credit if you or your partner are below pension credit age. You cannot apply for Universal Credit if you are over Pension Credit age.

If you're over Pension Credit age, you may be much better off claiming Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit (until 15 May when the rules change).

You cannot apply for Universal Credit if you are receiving the Severe Disability Premium. You may be worse off if you claim Universal Credit. Find out if you should be receiving it.

Find more financial help and support.

When to apply

If you are currently receiving all the benefits you need, you do not need to apply for Universal Credit. If your situation changes, you may be able to adjust your current benefits. But some changes mean that if you want to carry on receiving benefits you must apply for Universal Credit.

This guide explains some common changes and tells you if you can change your current benefits or if you need to claim Universal Credit.

How to apply

To apply for Universal Credit, create your account and fill out your claim on the GOV.UK. After you finish your claim online, you need to call the Jobcentre to make an appointment. If you don't, your claim might be cancelled.

If you can’t manage an online account, you can apply over the phone by ringing the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644. You will need to show why you can’t manage an online account.

Universal Credit is not usually backdated, so if you decide that you need to apply, do it as soon as possible. You should not cancel your other benefits first – claiming Universal Credit will cancel any of the benefits it replaces.

Before you apply, check all the information on this page to make sure it’s the right decision for you. If you would like someone to help you, read our guide on where to find help on Universal Credit.