Universal Credit and other in-work benefits - a guide for union reps and workers (April 2019)

Chapter 1

How to claim Universal Credit

[ch 1: page 12]

People on low incomes and those out of work may be able to claim UC. Claims are made online by households rather than individuals and the amount awarded depends on the income and circumstances of all the household members.

Claimants must have the following information to make a claim:

• proof of identify such as driving licence, passport or debit or credit card;

• bank, building society or credit union account details;

• an email address;

• their National Insurance number;

• information about housing, such as the amount of rent;

• details of income, such as payslips;

• details of savings and any investments, such as shares or a property that is rented out;

• details of childcare costs if the claim includes these.

After making an application, claimants must contact their local Jobcentre Plus within seven days to make an appointment with a work coach.


This information is copyright to the Labour Research Department (LRD) and may not be reproduced without the permission of the LRD.