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Claiming Benefits - How long does it take to process a claim?

Benefits and tax credits are payments from the government to certain people on low incomes, or to meet specific needs. Read our guide to find out more about them and how to claim.

How long does it take to process a claim?

The time taken to process a benefit claim can vary depending on the benefit being claimed and which benefit office deals with the claim.

For all benefits, you can help make sure your claim is processed as quickly as possible by completing the claim thoroughly and providing any further information requested promptly.

You will usually receive your first payment of Universal Credit around 5-6 weeks after you claim. It can take longer if you have to satisfy a habitual residence test.

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