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Universal Credit - How to Claim - Opening your account

This guide will walk you though making a Universal Credit claim

Last reviewed 11 July 2023

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 account.

You will be asked a few simple questions about whether you have a disability, whether you are already claiming Universal Credit and whether you live with a partner.

Steps to open your account

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.

Once you have set up an account you are ready to make a new claim for Universal Credit.

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