When you make a claim for Universal Credit you will be issued with a unique passcode. Each time you log into your online account on a different device (smart phone, table, PC) you will be asked to input numbers from the unique passcode to access your online account. Please keep this unique passcode safe because if you lose it you will have to be issued with another before you can access your online account.

When you make a claim for Universal Credit you have to make a separate application for council tax support (click here) Council tax support cannot be backdated, therefore if you think you are entitled, complete a claim as soon as possible.

When you make the UC claim, if you don’t have the correct identification, then tick ‘no’ to that question. This will trigger a different type of identification appointment which won’t then hold up your claim

As part of your claim for UC, you will be given a 16 digit personal security number. KEEP THIS SAFE It only stores on one device so if you log onto your account elsewhere it will ask you to enter your security number. If you forget it and it needs re-setting, a further appointment to verify your ID will need to be made before it is re-issued.

Once the personal security number is issued to you, you are then able to apply for an advance payment. This does not have to be for the maximum amount, and could be a partial amount. Remember that this advance payment is repayable out of future UC payments you receive over the following 12 months.

If you are claiming UC as sick, you will need to take the fit note into the Jobcentre. They will take a copy and give you the original back.