1. Do not delay
You should not delay in claiming as claims can only be backdated (paid for previous days or weeks) in a small number of circumstances (for example, if you are disabled), and by a maximum of one month.
2. Gather the information you will need
you will need to have ready for your assessment:
Many people struggle to verify their identity on-line, which is why they have to attend the Jobcentre to get this sorted out. The DWP has detailed rules about what evidence they will accept for ID purposes, and the DWP has power to relax the ID requirements in reasonable cases, for example if the client has no ID and does not know where copies may be obtained. Contact deafPLUS for help with this if you are having issues with this
3. Start your claim
You can do this:
Please note: If you claim by telephone, then your claim will only be managed by phone not online.
4. Complete the online claim form or answer all the questions if claiming over the phone
5. A universal credit account will be created for you
If claiming online, you can use this online account to:
If you claimed by phone, you can contact the DWP using the details above to do these actions.
6. Interview
First interview:
You will then be invited to book a first interview at your local Jobcentre plus which you must attend. You must take all of the documents the DWP asks you to bring, for example proof of identity, date of birth and address, and a Medical Certificate if you are too ill to work.
Other interviews:
If you are well enough to work you will be invited to later interviews with a Work Coach. It is important that you tell them about any support needs you have so that your Claimant Commitment reflects these needs (see the next section to find out what Claimant Commitment means). If you are not well enough to work, you may need to attend a second interview about your health and how it affects work. If you have a carer or appointee or interpreter, they can attend the interview with you. If you need the DWP to provide an interpreter contact them before the appointment to let them know. A BSL interpreter will have to be qualified to a minimum of level 6.
Date modified: September 22 2021 | Date created: June 04 2020