This tutorial will cover:
- What a joint claim is
- How to get started and get a linking code
- Using the linking code
- What your joint claim will look like and how to use it
- Making sure you provide accurate information
Contents
What is a Joint Claim?
Universal Credit is a “household benefit” which means that if you live with your partner, you’ll both need to claim. This is called a joint claim.
Both of your circumstances will be taken into account and you’ll then receive one combined payment. How much you get will depend on your situation but both of you will need to open, or use your existing Universal Credit accounts to submit your claim and get things started.
Getting started with a linkin code
To make a joint claim, you’ll need to link your claims together using a linking code. For this reason, we recommend taking it in turns to initially set up your claim.
The first person to start will be asked if you have a partner and are living together.
Select this option and then ask for a linking code.
The next page will display a linking code for you to give to your partner who can now begin making their claim.
If you forget the linking code, you can find it again in your to-do list on your account under ‘joint claim’.
Using the linking code
Now that you have your linkig code! The second person can start their claim.
The second person making an account will also be asked if you have partner and if you live with them.
Choose this option but instead of asking for a linking code, select that your partner has already been given one to continue.
The next screen will let you type in your linking code, partners name and your postcode.
This will then link your claims together as a joint claim.
What your join claim will look like and how to use it
Now you will be able to complete your to do’s which ask for more information about you to finish your claim.
You’ll be able to see what information is needed for you and your partner by clicking on your names. When all the information is completed both of you will need to confirm the details are correct using your own accounts.
This will include accepting your own responsibilities for maintaining your claim and declaring that the information is correct.
It´s really important to provide accurate information
It is worthwhile keeping details of your rent, savings, current education, ID documents and any caring responsibilities you may have to hand.
Keep important documents about the following things to hand:
- rent and housing costs
- savings
- current education
- ID documents
- Caring responsabilities (and additional benefits you may have)
The department may need to call you to progress your claim and this will make things quicker for you. Once your claim is made, you’ll gain full access to a journal.
This is a shared journal for both of you where you can send messages to the jobcentre, see a history of your claim and leave any notes of things you’ve been doing to improve your circumstances.
For more information visit: UnderstandingUniversalCredit.gov.uk