How to apply for Universal Credit

Before you apply for Universal Credit, you will need the following details for you and your partner:

• Your postcode    
• Your National Insurance (NI) number - you can find this on a payslip or letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) or Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Your email address (If you don’t have an email address you will need to create one)
• Details of your bank, building society, credit union or Post Office card account (if you don’t have one of these, you'll need to open an account or use simple payment)
• The type of accommodation you have, e.g. private rent, council tenant, or housing association tenant - make sure you check this before you apply
• How much rent you pay - this can be found on your rent agreement, contact your landlord for a copy if you don’t have one
• Your landlord’s address - this can be found on your rent agreement, ask your landlord for a copy if you don’t have one
• Your landlord's phone number
• Details of any savings you have and any other ‘capital’ investments, e.g. shares or property that you don’t live in
• Details of any income that’s not from work, e.g. from a pension or insurance plan
• Details of how much you earn from work, e.g. recent payslips
• How much you pay for childcare (if you want to claim for childcare costs)
• Details of any other benefits you’re getting, i.e. what benefit and how much you get
• Child Benefit reference numbers for any children you have. This can be found on letters to you about child benefit, it will start with 'CHB' - phone the Child Benefit Office on 0300 200 3100 if you need help

You will need to use the GOV.UK One Login service to verify your identity. Have proof of your Identification (ID) to hand to speed up this process.

If you do not have a computer at home, you can try accessing one free of charge at:

• Your local job centre 
• Your local library 
• Your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau 
• Our Shute End Council Offices, Wokingham 

You could also ask a friend or relative if you can use their computer.

Apply online

Your claim will start on the date you submit your application to the Department of Work and Pensions. You may lose out if you delay.

All applications for Universal Credit must be made online via the Gov.uk website.

For more help, call the Universal Credit helpline free of charge on 0800 328 5644 (or text phone 0800 328 1344)  Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.