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Hardship Payments - How do I claim Universal Credit hardship payments

Hardship Payments are reduced-rate payments of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC) that are made in limited circumstances, including if you have been sanctioned.

How do I claim Universal Credit hardship payments

To make a claim, get in touch with the Universal Credit contact centre.

Universal Credit helpline (Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, closed bank holidays)
Telephone: 0800 328 5644
Textphone: 0800 328 1344

Welsh language line: 0800 328 1744 


In Northern Ireland: 

 Telephone: 0800 012 1331

Textphone: 0800 012 1441


An appointment will normally be arranged at the Jobcentre office for you to provide the information and evidence required to support your application.

Reviewed: Oct 2022

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