Using your online UC account and journal

Universal Credit is a digital first benefit. Your online Universal Credit account is the main way you manage your claim.  

Most communication from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will be sent to your online account. You will not usually get letters in the post, so it’s important to check your account regularly.  

Your Universal Credit account is not just for responding to messages. It’s a record of your claim. It shows what you have reported, what the DWP has told you, and any actions you need to complete.  

If there’s ever a disagreement about your claim, messages in your journal can be used as evidence of what was said and when. 

What you can do in your UC account  

Your Universal Credit online account allows you to:  

• Send and receive messages in your UC journal  
• View and complete your ‘to-do’ list  
• Report changes in your circumstances  
• Check your claimant commitment  
• View and download your payment statements 
• Download letters and decision notices 

It’s a good idea check your UC account a few times each week. You may wish to set a reminder on your phone or turn on email notifications.  

Your to-do list  

Your online account includes a to-do list. This tells you what actions you must complete, such as: 

• Confirming details  
• Providing evidence  
• Reporting childcare costs  
• Accepting your claimant commitment  

Always complete tasks before the deadline shown. If you don’t, your payment could be stopped.

If you cannot complete a task on time, leave a message in your UC journal explaining why.