Make a Universal Credit claim

Universal Credit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), not Chorley Council.

View more information about Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website.

Universal Credit claims are made online. Do not delay in making your claim as you may lose money and it takes around 5 weeks to receive your first payment.

Apply for Universal Credit

Your application will take around 30 to 40 minutes to complete. Please make sure you have the following information before you start your online application:

• your postcode
• your national insurance number
• your email address
• your mobile telephone number
• details of the bank or building society you want Universal Credit paid into
• your rent agreement (if you have one) and proof of rent paid
• details of your savings or other capital
• details of any income
• details of any other benefits you are getting
• details of any children, including their child benefit numbers.

Help making a claim

If you need help to make an online claim contact the Universal Credit helpline for free on 0800 328 5644 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm). 

The Universal Credit helpline can:

• in some cases, complete the form online with you
• if you need access to equipment or Wi-Fi, signpost you to local services/locations
• if you currently have limited online skills or confidence, refer you to Citizens Advice Chorley who offer support with making a new claim for Universal Credit, from opening your account to receiving your first full payment.

Universal Credit support in Chorley

Online and digital skills support is available in various places across Chorley provided by Citizens Advice. 

The advisors can help you to:

• set up your Universal Credit account
• complete your claim to do list
• verify your identity
• make sure you are providing the evidence to the Jobcentre
• understand what Universal credit will mean for you.

View more information on online and digital skills support.