Universal Credit

2. What does the change mean?

Universal Credit is paid in one single monthly payment in arrears and makes you responsible for all your household budgeting. This includes paying your rent as your payment will include money towards housing costs.

To apply for Universal Credit, you need a bank account and an email address as applications must be made online. You will then need to manage your online account, which is known as your journal, on an ongoing basis – the DWP will tell you how to do this.

Applications should be made online by going to www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit

What you need to make a claim — checklist

• your bank, building society or credit union account details
• an email address
• your National Insurance number
• Information about your housing, for example how much rent you pay
• details of your income, for example payslips
• details of savings and any investments, like shares or a property that you rent out
• details of how much you pay for childcare if you’re applying for help with childcare costs

Step by step guide to making a claim

1. Go to www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
   You will need to open an account. To do this you will need a username and password and you will need to create answers for two security questions. You will need to enter your email address and a mobile phone number.
2. Once registered, a code will be sent to your email address and you will use this code to validate your email address / open your account. Couples making claims will receive a linking code.
3. You are now ready to apply for Universal Credit, please refer to the checklist for what you need before you make an application.
4. You can now manage your account which is known as your journal. All changes to your journal will need to be made online such as recording any changes to your circumstances, actions from your work coach etc.

Forgotten your username / password? If you forget these you will need to contact the DWP Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 9344 to arrange a meeting with your work coach. You can also drop in to your local job centre to ask them to reset your password.