Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs if you are either out of work or working but on a low income. Find out who can claim and how to apply.

Make a claim

Start here

You’ll need to have certain information ready as you make your claim. Visit GOV.UK for more information.

If you need support making a claim

Citizens Advice Knowsley provides “Help to Claim” to people making a new claim for Universal Credit.  Support will be provided up until the first Universal Credit payment is received and will include:

  • Universal Credit entitlement checks and support to start a claim
  • Set up email and online Universal Credit accounts
  • Verify identity (using the Department for Work and Pensions “Verify” system)
  • Refer to longer-term support (for example, debt and housing) and;
  • Help to apply for ‘adaptions and easements’ (including direct payments to landlords, more frequent payments and Advance Payments)

Referrals to the “Help to Claim” service can be made directly by the claimant, who can ‘self-refer’, as well as by the Jobcentre, Local Authority, Housing Providers and other agencies.

To access the service, residents need to call 0800 1448 444 to arrange an appointment at a local Citizens Advice office. This number is free from landlines and mobiles. Referrals to the service can also be made by the Jobcentre, Council, Housing Providers such as Livv Housing and ForHousing (Villages) and other agencies. For more information, visit Citizens Advice Knowsley which includes links to web chat.

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