In this article we will explain step by step how to apply for the benefit of Universal Credit.
Contents
Requirements
Before showing you the step-by-step, it is important to know the requirements you will need in order to acquire the benefit. Among them is:
- Proof of identity such as a passport, national identity card or residence in the UK, depending on your case
- You will need an email and phone number
- A UK bank account
- Information on all your expenses: payment of your rent, services, debts, etc.
- Details of your income, i.e. the last receipts you have had for your income. If you have worked or are currently working, employment contracts
- In the case that you have a property or savings, you should also have these proofs
In the case of people who are going to ask for the benefit of childcare payment, you will have to have all the detailed information of the expenses.
Create your account in the system
In this first step you will need to go to the official website of the UK government, which is the next step:
https://www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/postcode-checker
There you will have to create an account, a profile with your email and password. There you will fill in the whole form. The application is done completely online.
This way you will see the page you have to enter to create the application:
This is the government’s homepage. You are going to click on “Start”.
First you will be asked a question about whether you have any disability benefits. This is depending on how your case is, in this example it is No:
Click on “Continue”.
You will then be asked to create an account. You will need a username and password so that you can log in online and continue the process. You will also be asked to create two security questions that are easy for you to remember with their respective answers. And at the end, you hit “Continue”, and there you will start filling in all the questions for the application.
After you create your account, you will have 28 days to complete the application.
Verify Your Identity
After you have filled in all the questions for your application, it is time to verify your identity online. For this you will need proof of identity such as a passport, ID card or driver’s license. The system will automatically ask you for a number of options on how you can confirm your identity through various companies. We recommend that you do this through the post office application.
You will be given a link to download the application. You will be given a link to download the application. Once you have logged in, you will be asked to scan your identity card and take a selection so that they can check that it is you. This will automatically generate a QR code, which will serve to connect your application from the Universal Credit system page with the post office link, in order to confirm your identity.
If you have any problems doing this online, you can contact Universal Credit directly, and they can advise you by phone with other ways to do this.
Make an appointment by phone
You will be asked to make a phone call to request an appointment at the job centre. This step is mandatory. Once you complete the application, the system will tell you what phone number to call. In the call you will be asked for your details, your e-mail address and the date of the appointment.
It will take less than 10 days to make an appointment.
Interview in the Job Centre
Step number 4 and one of the most important is the interview. You’ll have to go to the nearest job centre, they’ll tell you which one is right for you. You should bring all the required documents, try to bring as much as you can, such as the rental contract, receipts for services, if you are employed the payment receipts, the employment contract, if you have a p60 or p45 it is also good to bring it because it is the proof that you have paid taxes in this country in case you have already worked a certain time.
If you need an interpreter on the day of the interview, try to ask for one when you call for an appointment. They can assign you to a person who speaks your language or arrange for an interpreter.
Check your account in the system
Once you have completed the entire interview and shown your proof, your evidence, you should be aware of the online system to your account. This is because you will receive updates, emails with certain documents that you must sign or accept or simply read and agree to as terms and conditions. You will be sent messages if you need any information through the online system and you will also have access to the “TO DO LIST”, which is a list of things to do. It is very important that you are aware of this so that the process is faster.
More information
As additional information, currently due to the pandemic situation, they have an option they are offering in which you can ask for an advance of the first payment if you have any need or financial emergency.
Once all these steps have been completed, you can simply wait for a response. You have to enter the system and you will receive all the information you need and the money will be paid into your bank account approximately 5 weeks after you complete the application.
