Everything you need to know about how to apply for universal credit

Universal credit is a benefit people receive from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that can help with the cost of living for people who are on a low income, unemployed, or unable to work.

According to government statistics released in June, there are currently 7.9 million people claiming universal credit, but many more people are missing out on the financial support they’re entitled to.

Research by Policy in Practice in September found £24.1 billion in benefits is going unclaimed – either because people don’t know about them, because they have trouble accessing them or because of stigma.

Experts explain it’s important to claim financial support if you’re entitled to it, and there are many ways to check to see if you’re eligible.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to apply for universal credit, including how to find out if you’re eligible and what the application process looks like. 

Who is eligible for universal credit?

People are eligible for universal credit if they need help with the cost of living because they are on a low income, out of work or unable to work. 

In order to receive universal credit, you must live in the UK (there are extra rules if you’re not a British citizen), be over the age of 18 but under the state pension age, and have less than £16,000 in savings and investments. 

Benefits calculators, like ones created by Policy in Practice, StepChange and Turn2us, may be helpful when it comes to finding out whether you’re eligible for benefits. You’ll need information about your salary, housing costs and other benefits when determining your eligibility, so having your payslips and bank statements to hand is a must.

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For those living with a partner, you will both need to claim for universal credit even if the other person is not eligible. You will make a joint claim, and how much you get will depend on your partner’s income and savings as well as your own. If you or your partner has reached state pension age, you can still claim universal credit as a couple, but it will stop when you both reach state pension age.

You can work while claiming universal credit if you are on a low income, and the DWP does not limit the number of hours you can work while receiving the benefit. In fact, the government reported that 34% of the people on universal credit were in employment in May 2025.

Your universal credit payment will reduce as you earn more, however. For every extra £1 you or your partner earns, your payment is reduced by 55p. Your payment will reduce until you are earning enough to no longer earn universal credit.

There are some exceptions and other ways you can be eligible, for example if you’re aged 16 and you’re responsible for a child, so it’s a good idea to check the government’s guidelines if you’re unsure as to whether you might be eligible.

How much is universal credit?

The amount you can receive in universal credit depends on your age, how much you earn, whether you are in a couple and if you have children, as well as if you have a disability that impacts your ability to work.

A benefits calculator will be able to tell you how much universal credit you could potentially receive from the DWP.

If you are single and over the age of 25, the standard universal credit allowance is £400.14 each month. If you are under 25, it is £316.98 per month. 

If you live with a partner and you’re both over the age of 25, you’ll get £628.10 per month for you both. If either of you is under 25, you’ll get £497.55 for you both. 

If you have a disability or health condition which means you have limited capability for work and work-related activity, you may receive £423.27 per month on top of your standard benefits.

How do I apply for universal credit?

You can apply for universal credit online through the government’s website. You have to create an account, after which you have 28 days to make a claim. If you live with your partner, you both need to create separate accounts which will link together when you claim.

If you’re unable to claim online, you can claim over the phone using the DWP’s universal credit helpline on 0800 328 5644. If you cannot hear or speak into the phone, you can use Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 328 5644.

You’ll have to prove your identity, so you’ll need a driving licence, passport, bank card or payslip.

You’ll also need your bank, building society or credit union account details, an email address, and access to a phone. To complete your application you might also need your earnings (payslips), details of your housing, your National Insurance number if you have one, details of any other benefits you receive, details of your savings and investments, or details of a disability or health condition that affects your work.

Going to your universal credit interview

The final step of applying for universal credit is to have an interview with your “work coach”, who will assess your situation, how much work you are able to do, and if you will need to apply for jobs in order to receive benefits.

You will need to book an appointment for this interview, and bring a number of documents with you, including a photo ID, details of your housing and income, and bank details. Citizens Advice has compiled a list of everything you might need for this appointment.

After the interview looking into your situation, they will tell you what “work related activity group” you’ll be in – this can range from you not needing to do anything to prepare or look for work to being required to look for jobs, apply for jobs and go to interviews.

After the interview, the DWP will contact you online or by post telling you if your application has been successful. You can challenge a decision about your claim if you disagree with their decision.

For more information and advice about the interview stage, Turn2us, Citizens Advice, and Money Wellness have useful information on their websites.

How long does it take to get universal credit?

According to Money Helper, the government’s money advice website, it could take up to five weeks” to get your first universal credit payment after you apply.

This includes a four-week assessment period to work out how much you’ll get, then up to seven days for you to receive your first payment.

Once you receive the first payment, the benefit is usually paid once a month in England, Scotland and Wales, and twice a month in Northern Ireland.

What if I need help applying?

If you need help with applying for universal credit, a Citizens Advice service called Help to Claim can help you with things like online applications, preparing for a jobcentre appointment, or checking that your first payment is correct.

Those who need support in England and Wales can visit the Help to Claim website here, and those in Scotland can visit here. There is also a host of valuable information about applying for universal credit on Citizens Advice’s website.

For more information on applying for universal credit, and for further advice on navigating the benefits system, experts have explained everything you need to know, from the application process to the latest news on benefits.

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