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• Get a Universal Credit advance payment

  How to get an advance payment of Universal Credit if you don't have enough money to get by while you're waiting for your first Universal Credit payment.

• How to start a Universal Credit claim

  Find out how to start a Universal Credit claim. Before you start you’ll need to check if you're eligible for Universal Credit.

• Before you apply for Universal Credit

  Information for before you apply for Universal Credit. Find out more about what Universal Credit is, check if you're eligible and how it's paid.

• If your Universal Credit is reduced or stopped

  Find out why your Universal Credit payment might be reduced or stopped, and advice on what you can do about it. You'll be notified if your payment changes.

• Contact us about a Universal Credit application

  Get help making a new claim for Universal Credit, from the making the application through to getting your first correct payment.

• Challenging a Universal Credit decision - mandatory reconsideration

  If you disagree with the decision about your Universal Credit claim, you can ask for ‘mandatory reconsideration’. Find out how to challenge the decision.

• Check how Universal Credit is changing in 2026

  The amount of Universal Credit you can get will change in April 2026. Check what is changing because of the Universal Credit Bill and other benefit changes.

• Check who can claim Universal Credit

  Check if you can get Universal Credit, a benefit you can claim if you're on a low income or unemployed. Read our advice to check if you're eligible.