- You can make a claim for Universal Credit online, on the government website: www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
- If you need help with your claim, you can call the government's Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644 (open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm).
- The Citizens Advice Bureau 'Help to Claim' service is available if you need further advice or support. You can visit their website here to find out more, or phone their helpline on 0800 144 8444 (open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm).
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Where do I apply for Universal Credit?
What is a 'claimant commitment'?
To receive Universal Credit, you enter a 'claimant commitment' - an agreement between the claimant and the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), which lists your general responsibilities and work-related requirements whilst getting the benefit.
If you do not accept your claimant commitment you will not be entitled to Universal Credit. There are different 'work related requirements' and the ones which will apply to you will depend on your circumstances.
Once you have submitted your claim you will be given a phone number to book an appointment for an interview at your local job centre, to meet your 'work coach' and be required to sign your 'claimant commitment'
As part of the 'Work Commitments', you may have to:
- look for work (both searching for work and being available to work)
- prepare for work (e.g. take part in 'work-focused interviews')
- However, some claimants might not have any work-search requirements at all (for example, if you are ill or you have a disability, you might be assessed as having 'limited capability for work').
