Refugee advice

Claim Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment from the government for people who are out of work, cannot work or on low income. It is important you apply as soon as possible as this will be used to pay your rent and expenses prior to finding a job. You need to make a Universal Credit account online . Before receiving Universal Credit:

  • you will need to set up a bank account and email address
  • you will also need access to a phone.

You will need to prove your identity. Examples include (not all required):

  • • Biometric Residence Permit
  • driving licence
  • passport
  • debit or credit card
  • payslip or P60.

If none of the above is available, you can use your Home Office decision letter along with your ARC card to verify your identity.

You will need to provide information on which of the following applies to you:

  • your housing (how much rent you pay)
  • your earnings (payslips)
  • any disability or health condition that affects your ability to work
  • any savings you may have.

Help with your claim

You can get help in making your claim though the Citizen’s Advice Help to Claim service.

This information is available in different languages, and they have a translation service to help make the claim on the phone.