We are not benefits advisors, but can point you in the right direction. It is best to speak to a benefits advice organisation about your situation so they can tailor their help to your needs. You don't need to go this alone.
Universal Credit
What is Universal Credit?
It is a means-tested benefit that helps those on low income, unable to work or who are unemployed. It takes your household’s financial situation into account, so if you live with a partner, their income and savings will form part of any decision.
It is being phased in to replace these older benefits known as legacy benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Income Support.
More information:
Can I claim?
You can claim if you are on a low income (including the self-employed), unemployed or unable to work and:
- you are 18 years (exceptions include 16-17-year-olds with health conditions or disabilities, as well as those caring for someone who is severely disabled)
- you are below the state pension age (but your partner can be older)
- you live in the UK
- you have less than £16,000 (including savings and investments)
- read more about who can claim:
How much will I get?
The standard amount of Universal Credit awarded depends on your age and if you are claiming for yourself or together with a partner. There are additional payments for children, childcare, a disability or health condition, housing costs, and carers of someone with a disability. For England, Scotland and Wales, it's worth visiting gov.uk to get a better understanding of what is taken into account when calculating Universal Credit. For Northern Ireland visit NIdirect.
Will I lose my other benefits?
Claiming Universal Credit means you will lose any of the six legacy benefits it replaces just by applying. These benefits are being phased out by Universal Credit. Some choose to switch early, while others find they are better off staying put for now until they receive their migration notice from the Department for Work and Pensions (England, Scotland and Wales) or the Department for Communities if you live in Northern Ireland. Whatever you decide, it pays to speak to an independent benefits advisor about your options first. For those in Northern Ireland, AdviceNI has published this statement about the managed migration to Universal Credit.
Before I claim...
There is a lot to unpick with Universal Credit, so it is worth contacting an independent advice organisation to check it is right for you. They will take you through the process step-by-step.
- Citizens Advice offers a Help to Claim service either by phone or online chat for most areas of the UK:
- England's Citizens Advice or call 0800 144 8444
- Scotland's Citizens Advice or call 0800 023 2581
- Wales' Citizens Advice or call 08000 241 220
- Advice NI's helpline for those living in Northern Ireland, call 0800 915 4604
- MS Society has benefits advisors or call 0808 800 8000
- Turn2us
Who decides Universal Credit where I live?
The Department for Work and Pensions deals with claims for England, Wales and Scotland, while the Department for Communities handles those for Northern Ireland.
How do I start my claim?
Create an online account on gov.uk. You then have 28 days to submit your claim. If you live with your partner, you both need to make an account and link them.
If you are unable to apply online – and you need a good reason for this – call the Universal Credit helpline for help with starting your claim:
- England, Scotland and Wales: call free 0800 328 5644
- Welsh speakers: call free 0800 328 1744
- Northern Ireland's Universal Credit Service Centre: call free 0800 012 1331. NI direct has some short videos that may help you:
You will be asked at this early stage if you have a health condition or disability that affects your ability to work.
What next after claiming?
Select the area you live:
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Interview with a work coach
You need to book an appointment with a work coach within a week of claiming Universal Credit. This takes place either at the Jobcentre Plus or by phone. Tell your work coach if there is anything (including your MS) that affects your ability to work or look for work. You will need to provide a doctor’s fit note or medical evidence to back this up.
You will discuss your claimant commitment during the interview – these are things you need to do to continue your Universal Credit claim. It could mean meeting regularly with your work coach, preparing for work or actively looking for a job. For some, the claimant commitment means no further action. The outcome varies depending on how your MS (or other health condition or disability) affects your ability to work.
Speak to your work coach if you need help through the Flexible Support Fund to meet your commitment. You will need to explain how it applies to you.
When do I get a decision?
You usually need to wait five weeks for a decision.
Some successful claims require a work capability assessment. If this is the case, you receive the standard rate of Universal Credit in the meantime. Those that the Department for Work and Pensions accepts have ‘limited capability to work’ are told they need no further assessment.
Work capability assessment
The assessment comes in two parts – first a questionnaire, then a medical assessment if needed:
Capability to work questionnaire
The Department for Work and Pensions will ask you to fill out a form, explaining in detail how your MS affects you. They use the information to decide if your MS limits your capability to work. You must return the form within four weeks. Go by the date on your letter and remember to keep a copy.
It is worth including a letter from your MS nurse or neurologist about how your MS impacts your ability to carry out the activities mentioned in the questionnaire. Other evidence like your patient summary available from your GP may prove helpful. Remember that you can always send the medical evidence on after the questionnaire.
For useful tips and pointers, take a look at:
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MS Society’s WCA booklet - a detailed look at the whole work capability assessment process including how to fill in the questionnaire
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Turn2us - what to expect from the form and what you should think about when answering.
Work capability assessment
Following the questionnaire, you may need to attend a work capability assessment with a health professional for the Department for Work and Pensions. This is done either face-to-face, on the phone or by video call and is the same assessment used for Employment Support Allowance, meaning some should only need one appointment.
You must be given seven days' notice of your assessment. If you would like the appointment audio recorded, now is the time to request this.
It is a good idea to refresh yourself on your questionnaire answers. You will also be asked about your medical history, daily activities and how your MS impacts these. Be aware that you are assessed from the moment you arrive, so while you wait for your appointment too.
To help you prepare for your assessment visit:
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MS Society’s WCA booklet - see pages 23-28 about the assessment and what to expect
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Citizen’s Advice for your area includes lots of practical tips:
Note: you can ask your Department for Work and Pensions contact for a copy of the work capability assessment report – this can help if you need to appeal.
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Made a claim, what's next?
Once you have made your claim, it doesn’t stop there. You will need to gather and submit information and agree your claimant commitment. Time is important here, so follow the next steps that NIdirect sets out to:
- confirm your identity
- agree your claimant commitment with your work coach - these are things you need to do to continue your Universal Credit claim
- upload outstanding information in the first month of your claim.
NIdirect also has some short explainer videos:
- what to expect after your claim is submitted
- how to upload documents to your Universal Credit account
You will be assigned a case manager and work coach.
Submitting medical evidence
If you indicated on your claim that your MS (or another health condition or disability) makes it difficult to work, then you have seven days to complete a self-certification. You can do this on your online account, by phone or at your local Jobs and Benefits office. From day eight, you need a fitness for work note from a doctor or health professional. For full details visit NIdirect.
Interview with a work coach
You will need to attend a telephone appointment with a work coach.
You will discuss your claimant commitment during the interview – these are things you need to do to continue your Universal Credit claim. It could mean meeting regularly with your work coach, preparing for work or actively looking for a job. For some, the commitment means no further action. The outcome varies depending on how your MS (or other health condition or disability) affects your ability to work.
Speak to your work coach if you need help through the Advisor Discretion Fund to meet your claimant commitment. You will need to explain how it applies to you. Here's a short video to explain what it covers.
When do I get a decision?
You usually need to wait five weeks for a decision.
Some successful claims may require a work capability assessment. If this is the case, you receive the standard rate of Universal Credit in the meantime. Those that the Department for Communities accepts have ‘limited capability for work and work-related activity’ are told they need no further assessment.
Contact the Financial Support Service if you need help through a short-term living expenses grant from the Universal Credit Contingency Fund.
Work capability assessment
For those that require this, the assessment comes in two parts – first a questionnaire, then a medical assessment if needed:
Capability to work questionnaire
The Department for Communities will ask you to fill out a form, explaining in detail how your MS affects you. They use the information to decide if your MS limits your capability to work. Check the deadline for its return.
It is worth including a letter from your MS nurse or neurologist about how your MS impacts your ability to carry out the activities mentioned in the questionnaire. Other evidence like your patient summary available from your GP may prove helpful. Remember that you can always send the medical evidence on after the questionnaire.
For independent advice about questionnaire visit AdviceNI or call 0800 915 4604.
Work capability assessment
Following the questionnaire, you may need to attend work capability assessment. These are done either face-to-face, on the phone or by video call and is the same assessment used for Employment Support Allowance, meaning some should only need one appointment. The assessment will take a look at what you can and can’t do day-to-day.
It is a good idea to refresh yourself on your questionnaire answers. You will also be asked about your medical history, daily activities and how your MS impacts these. Be aware that you are assessed from the moment you arrive, so while you wait for your appointment too.
The assessment process will decide whether the Department for Communities considers you fit for work or whether you have a limited capability to work and to what extent. See NIdirect's website for more information.
For independent advice about the assessment process visit AdviceNI or call 0800 915 4604.
How do I appeal?
Select the area you live:
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If you disagree with your Universal Credit decision, you can request a mandatory reconsideration. We recommend you speak to an advice organisation first. You have a month to appeal from the date on your decision letter. If you ask for an explanation in writing – you have 14 days to submit your mandatory reconsideration from the date on the ‘written statement of reasons’. If this is unsuccessful, you can appeal at a tribunal.
Need appeal advice?
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If you disagree with your Universal Credit decision, you can request a mandatory reconsideration. We recommend you speak to an advice organisation first. You have a month to appeal from the date on your decision letter. If this is unsuccessful, you can appeal at a tribunal.
Need appeal advice?
- AdviceNI: 0800 915 4604
