Preparing for Universal Credit
This page gives you advice about how to prepare for the introduction of Universal Credit. For more information, see the Universal Credit page.
Do you have an email address and mobile phone number?
You must have an email address to complete your Universal Credit claim. There's some advice about setting up an email address in this guide. If you don't have a mobile phone number, you will need to check your email regularly for messages from Universal Credit. If you have a mobile phone number you can get messages by text instead.
MoneySavingExpert has lots of tips on cutting the cost of a mobile phone.
Do you have an account that Universal Credit can be paid in to?
Before you can apply for Universal Credit, you need to give details of your bank, building society, credit union, or Post Office Card Account where your Universal Credit will be paid.
If bank charges are taking up your money, like fees for overdrafts or bounced payments, open a free basic bank account for your Universal Credit payments. If you owe money to your bank and don’t know how to pay it back, a free debt advice service can help you sort it out.
Do you have proof of your identity?
After claiming Universal Credit, you will be asked to prove your identity using the Government's online system, Verify. To use Verify, you must have a passport, driving licence or national identity card. If you can't use Verify, you must provide proof of your identity to your Jobcentre Work Coach instead.
If you think you will be unable to provide proof of your identity, discuss it with your Work Coach as soon as possible. If you do not have the right documents, they can find other ways to confirm your identity.
Do you need help to get online?
If you don't have the internet at home, there are lots of places in Portsmouth where you can get online for free.
If you have your own portable device, such as a tablet, smartphone or laptop, you can use it at one of the My City Wi-Fi free internet hotspots.
If you don't have your own device, lots of places offer free computer access. You can find venues in this guide - it also lists places where you can get help to improve your computer skills.
Budgeting and managing your money
Universal Credit will combine six benefits into one monthly payment, so you might need to plan your money differently. Find more information about budgeting on our Money Advice page.
You can get free and impartial advice on how to maximise your income and manage your budget. Our guide has details of where to find help.
Will I be better off on Universal Credit?
To see how your benefits will change when you switch to Universal Credit, use the Policy in Practice benefit calculator. It compares your current benefits with Universal Credit.
If you don’t understand your entitlement or how you will be affected by Universal Credit, our guide has details of where to find help.