You must normally claim universal credit online at www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim . The first stage of this is to set up an online account (see below ). Once you have done this, a code will be sent to you which will enable you to make the online claim.

If you are one of a couple, you each need to make a claim; one of you should claim first and you will then receive a linking code for your partner to use so that your claims can be joined up.

When you make the online claim, you will need to complete a series of questions on a ‘to-do’ list, relating to your general situation; you will need to have the information listed below to do this. You do not need to complete the application in one go; you can save it and return to it later. The DWP allow you up to 28 days to complete your claim after you have set up your online account.

You must also confirm your identity (see below ).

You do not need to make a claim for universal credit in the circumstances listed in