How to apply for Universal Credit in Scotland

You can work as many hours as you like and still qualify for Universal Credit (as it’s based on your income), so it’s always worth checking you’re not missing out.  

Universal Credit is paid at the same rate wherever you live in the UK and is made up of: 

• a standard allowance, and 
  
• additional elements for things like housing and the costs of bring up children, caring or coping with ill health.  
  

This amount might then be reduced depending on other income you get. For example, from work or other benefits.

Universal Credit is available to prison leavers. Visit Gov.uk for an in-depth guide that will take you through the basics of how to make and manage a new Universal Credit claimOpens in a new window, and how to find out if an advance payment is right for you. If you live in Scotland you should make your claim as soon as possible after your release.

You can: 

• apply for Universal Credit online at GOV.UKOpens in a new window 
  
• by calling the Universal Credit helplineOpens in a new window 
  

It’s usually best to speak to a free Citizens Advice Scotland Help to Claim adviser before applying, especially if you’re moving from existing benefits.

After applying, it can take up to five weeks to get your first payment.  

If you’ll struggle while you’ll wait, see our guide Help managing your money while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment.

Universal Credit is usually paid as a single monthly payment into your bank account.  

This might include a ‘housing costs’ element – a contribution towards your rent. You’re then responsible for paying your own rent to your landlord. 

After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment in Scotland, you can usually choose to keep things the same or change to: 

• being paid twice a month, and/or 
  
• having the housing costs element paid directly to your landlord. 
  

You’ll receive an offer with your payment choices via your online Universal Credit account, with 60 days to respond. You don’t need to do anything to keep things the same.

You can change your mind about the way you’re paid at any point. So you could change to payments twice a month and then decide to go back to monthly, or change the way you pay your landlord. 

To ask for a change, you can add a note to your journal using your online Universal Credit accountOpens in a new window

If you’re having trouble with your online account, you can: 

• call the Universal Credit helplineOpens in a new window 
  
• speak to your work coach. 
  

When you know the date of your Universal Credit payment, ask your landlord if you can move the date you pay your rent to just after you get your Universal Credit payment – or wages if you’re also working.  

You can then set up a standing order to pay your rent automatically using online banking or by asking your bank. 

After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment, you’ll know if your payment covers all your rent.  

If it doesn’t, you might be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)Opens in a new window from your local council. You can also use a DHP for a rental deposit or to pay rent in advance.  

For more information, see our section Help if you can’t afford your rent.

After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment, you might qualify for extra help and discounts. For example: 

• help paying your Council Tax 
  
• discounts on your broadband and other bills. 
  

For full information and how to apply, see our guide Help managing your money if you receive benefits.

Citizens Advice Scotland has a free, independent and impartial Help to Claim service if you are: 

• making a new Universal Credit claim, or 
  
• moving to Universal Credit from existing benefits because of a change of circumstances. 
  

The service is available to everyone and can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim – from the application through to your first payment. 

You can: 

• speak to Citizens Advice Scotland onlineOpens in a new window, or 
  
• by calling 0800 023 2581Opens in a new window (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). 
  

They can also book an appointment for you to see a specialist work coach at your local Jobcentre Plus.  

After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment, Advicelocal can provide other helpOpens in a new window and support with benefits. 

The things the Citizens Advice Scotland Help to Claim service can do include: 

• advising how to set up: 
  
  • an email address 
    
  • a Universal Credit online account 
    
  • a bank account.
    
• working through the to-do list for making a successful claim
  
• explaining the online journal and how it’s used 
  
• accessing the Universal Credit phone claim service 
  
• accessing DWP home visit support. 
  

If you need help getting ready for your first payment, support can include helping you: 

• verify your identity 
  
• get your important paperwork and documents together 
  
• prepare for coping with your first monthly payment 
  
• make sure your work coach understands your personal circumstances 
  
• apply for an advance and get additional financial support. 
  

You can order our free printed guide Universal Credit – managing your money in ScotlandOpens in a new window, plus many others on different topics.