the claim process

Before you make a claim for Universal Credit, we would urge everyone to make sure that it is actually required and that you will be better off. 

Universal Credit is not calculated in the same way as legacy benefits so we would urge you to spend some time in the Facebook group, looking around the site and seeking advice before you submit the claim.

The date you claim can also be of importance. 
If leaving a job, remember that any final pay or holiday pay received on date of claim or after, will effect your entitlement.  
If you are in work and paid once per month, your wages date may change due to weekends and holidays.  You want to ensure that your assessment period does not cause problems.
How to make the claim
The claim is made online normally and we would recommend you to do it when you have patience and time.  While the form can seem straight forward enough, it can seem quite daunting and you want to have a clear head while you do it.

Gov.uk has a step by step guide on how to make your claim, which is very useful.  You can find this by clicking here.

There is also advice about what to do if you cannot access a computer or the internet or you need some assistance.

Once the claim is made
If you are advised to book an appointment, please make sure to do that as soon as possible.  Not booking that initial appointment could result in your claim being closed down or your first payment being delayed.​ 

Decide if you will need an advance
Once your ID is either accepted online or you have attended an evidence appointment then you will be able to access an advance.  Your first payment will be one month and 7 days after your claim date.  Your landlord will still expect you to make your regular rent payments.  When you receive your first payment, it will be expected to last you for one month so you want to ensure that you are not paying out lump sums on missed bills and debt.  The advance is paid back over 12 months which people can find more manageable.  
You can apply for the advance either at the job centre, online or on the phone.  If you are in immediate need, let them know as they can arrange a faster payment.

What you are expected to do in return for UC
At the very minimum you will have to agree to log in to your account regularly and report any changes.  Everyone has to agree to this.   
You may have to agree to do what you can to find and take up more paid work.
You may be allocated a work coach and be given activities to do including anything from making a CV and attending courses, to work search and attending job interviews.
Please ensure that you attend all scheduled appointments with your work coach.  If you are unable to attend, record on your journal the reason why and call Universal Credit on 08003285644 as soon as possible to explain and rearrange.  People can be sanctioned on Universal Credit for not complying and having seen it happen to members, it can make things very difficult.

The commitments you are given should take into account your responsibilities and capabilities.  If you have a commitments appointment with a work coach, ensure the work coach has an understanding of any limitations that you have and that the commitments are achievable for you.  You can ask for a second opinion and a cooling off period of 7 days.

Confirm previous earnings from work
Everyone is asked about previous earnings and it is not so that they can penalise you for earnings for last year.  The reason they ask is relevant to the benefit cap grace period.  They ask even if you are not effected by the benefit cap or if you are already exempt.  
You will receive a notification on your journal, asking you to confirm previous earnings from work.
The first question will be - in the xx months before your Universal Credit claim were there any gaps in your employment?  If you have not worked during that time, the answer is yes.  That is because there was one big gap.  We know it is a badly worded question.  
Then it will go onto ask if you had a partner and then what your earnings were in each month.  If you don't know the answer then just answer to the best of your ability.  The information can be validated at a later date, if required.

First assessment period ends
One month after your claim date your assessment period will end.  Universal Credit will then look at your circumstances and income during that time period and calculate your payment. 

The earliest they can upload this information will be 6 days before your payment is due. 
When this information is available, a new button will appear on your homepage labelled PAYMENTS.
Sometimes the information is not available straight away and it can take longer.  If it reaches 2 days before your payment is due and the information is not available, then your should call Universal Credit on 08003285644 and enquire as to what the hold up is.  Payment can not be issued without the payment breakdown showing.

If you check your payment information and you feel something is wrong, then call Universal Credit immediately.  Make sure that any child, housing, carers, disabled child, LCRWA elements are showing and appear correct.
It is not unusual for child or housing element to be missing.  This is because this information goes through and extra verification process initially. 
Childcare element are often missing from first and subsequent breakdowns.  This is a difficult, tiresome area of Universal Credit.

Ongoing claim
Be sure to always report change in circumstances as they happen. 
Attend appointments and keep to your commitments.   If your commitments need changed then ask for a commitments review. 
Log onto your account often and check for messages and to do activities.  Do not rely on email and text notifications.
Check your payment breakdown is showing as expected, each and every month.