1. Managing your claim
This section will help you understand what you need to do once you’re claiming Universal Credit, including how to keep a record of your activities.
You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep getting the right amount each month. Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you don’t report a change of circumstances straight away.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to complete additional activities. Most will need to be done in your online account, but for some you may need to speak to your work coach over the telephone.
During the coronavirus outbreak
You do not need to attend the jobcentre unless we ask you to do so. If you need to contact us, the quickest way to do this is online or by phone.
If you need to attend a jobcentre, they are open and one of our colleagues will be able to assist you. Please wear a face covering when entering a jobcentre. See the latest government guidance on meeting with others safely and social distancing
If you are an existing Universal Credit claimant you do not need to contact us. Our online service is working as normal and everything you need should be available in your account.
Although staff are working on our Universal Credit telephone lines as normal, we are exceptionally busy. You do not need to call us unless you are not able to use your online account. It is important that our telephone lines are available for our most vulnerable customers, using your online account as much as possible will help protect this service.
Use your online Universal Credit account to record what you’ve done and make contact with your work coach.
Find out more about your responsibilities when you’re receiving Universal Credit.
