A big hello from us all!
If you’ve found your way here it’s because you’re looking for help to apply for Universal Credit (UC).
Well, we’re glad to say you are in the right place!
This guide has been put together by people that have been in the same situation as you are in now. We hope it will help you apply for and manage your UC claim, avoiding some of the usual headaches and pitfalls.
But, more than that, we want you to know you’re not alone, and that there are many others out there like you who are claiming social security support.
UC:Us team
Hear directly from UC:Us member Caroline about our guide, the group and why she hopes you’ll find it useful
(Closed captions and transcript available soon)
Introduction
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a payment for people over 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare, and financial support for people with disabilities, carers and people too ill to work.
Universal Credit is a payment for people over 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare, and financial support for people with disabilities, carers and people too ill to work.
Taken from nidirect.gov.uk site
Before we start, here’s the first thing you need to know about Universal Credit…
The people who designed the system are trying to get you to take more responsibility for your benefit claim. This means that you are expected to manage most aspects of the claim by yourself.
This can be a difficult process. There is lots to consider and it can be complicated. So our number one tip is that before you make your claim you should seek advice from a qualified independent advice provider (see “Important contacts” for help on this) . This is especially important if you are currently in receipt of other benefits.
Receiving independent advice from a qualified source will help you prepare for your responsibilities for keeping your claim running smoothly. It will also help you to decide whether Universal Credit is the best option for you.
Using this guide
Universal Credit can sometimes be complex and confusing. To help you, we have split this guide into 11 different sections so it’s easier to access the information most relevant to you, when it’s most relevant to you, rather than all at once.
Navigating the guide
There's lots we want to tell you about Universal Credit. Use the drop down menu from the top of the site or the links in the footer of each page to select a different section.
There's lots we want to tell you about Universal Credit. Use the drop down menu from the top of the site or the links in the footer of each page to select a different section.
The first section of the guide covers the key lessons our group have learnt from claiming Universal Credit. It will make you aware of some of the most important aspects and could help you avoid some very difficult situations or problems (as you will see from our “what I wished I’d known” videos, that are featured throughout this guide).
The page Before you apply for Universal Credit! is a must read if you are about to apply for Universal Credit.
The majority of pages in the guide have more detailed information that relate to specific stages of Universal Credit. Some of these will not apply to you right now and some may not feature on your Universal Credit journey.
Want to change things? gives you some more information on how you can get involved in trying to improve Universal Credit.
Important contacts provides important contact details of qualified independent advice providers offering support on Universal Credit in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
Universal Credit works differently across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. Please note that this guide has its roots in Northern Ireland (where the UC:Us members all live) but contains information relevant to all four countries. Where differences occur we do our best to highlight how things run in each country.
Section summaries
1. Our lessons from lived experience
Key lessons our group have learnt from their lived experiences. Includes our “Talking Universal Credit: What I wish I’d known” videos
2. Before you apply for Universal Credit!
Highlights key things that you need to know before making a claim for UC.
3. Making an online application
A checklist with all the information you need to have ready to make a claim online for Universal Credit.
4. Understanding the Universal Credit elements
Sets out all the different elements of Universal Credit to help you to understand more about the benefit.
5. Where to get extra financial support
Places where you may be able to seek financial help in addition to your UC claim.
Here we highlight some of the key do’s and dont’s when using your online journal, which should help things run smoothly.
A step by step guide to appealing decisions and lodging complaints along with details of help available.
Information on the reasons why overpayments and deductions occur and some options to manage them.
Find out support available for people living on a low income who are undergoing difficult circumstances.
A quick run through of ideas for trying to change things and ways you can get involved.
Contacts for a number of free, independent advice agencies who can provide advice and assistance, free of charge.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your Universal Credit claim, it’s really important that you get advice from the experts.
‘Universal Credit is manageable. If I can get through it then anyone can.’