Universal Credit - How to Claim - Opening your account
This guide will walk you though making a Universal Credit claim
- Last reviewed 12 June 2025
Opening your account
Once you’re ready to start your claim, go to the Universal Credit page on the GOV.UK website.
First you will need to open an online account. You can use this online service if you are:
- making a new claim, or
- joining your partner's claim.
You will be asked a few simple questions, such as:
- what other benefits you're getting
- if someone is helping you with your claim.
Steps to open your account
Once you have done the steps below and set up an account, you are ready to make a new claim for Universal Credit.
You will need to set a username and password. These should be words that you will remember, so take your time and choose something you won’t forget.
You will also be asked to choose some security questions and your answers to them. Make sure you have typed these right and that you have chosen answers you really will remember.
You will be asked to give your name. This needs to be your legal name – the one that appears on your passport or driving license. Even if you usually use a different name, it is important to use your legal name here.
If you live with a partner you will both need to set up accounts to claim Universal Credit.
You can then link these accounts using what is called a linking code. It is important that only one of you asks for a linking code to link your accounts.
Once you have set up an account you are ready to make a new claim for Universal Credit. You will have 28 days to submit your claim or your account will be closed.
If you find it difficult to follow the steps above, you can get support from the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday:
- England: 0800 144 8444
- Scotland: 0800 023 2581
- Wales: 08000 241 220
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