Help to claim Universal Credit online

Do you need help to make a new Universal Credit claim online or to manage your existing online Universal Credit account? Newcastle Libraries are here to support you.  Our dedicated Digital Support Officer, Elaine, is available at various library locations to help you make your claim.  You must have some basic digital skills in order to progress or manage your online claim.

Elaine,  may be able to support you with other types of benefit applications, such as Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefits, Discretionary Housing Payments and some types of DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) benefits.

Phone Elaine on 07970 632 851 or 0191 277 8833  to find out your nearest Universal Credit Digital Support session location or next available appointment. 

What do I need for my Digital Support appointment?

You need the following information for you and other members of your household:

• An email address;
• Postcode;
• National Insurance Number;
• Nationality;
• The bank, building society or credit union account details you want Universal Credit to be paid into (including account name, sort code and account number);
• Tenancy agreement (if you have one) or mortgage details;
• Details of your savings or other capital;
• Details about your work and earnings;
• Details of any income that is not from work, e.g. from an insurance plan;
• Details of all benefits you receive;
• Details of any education or training;
• Your household members' (partner and children) full names, dates of birth and any Child Benefit numbers

If you do not bring all of this information to your appointment, you cannot complete you claim and your first payment may be delayed.  Additional information may be required, depending on your circumstances.

What happens next?

Once you have submitted your claim, you must verify your identity online. If you can’t do this, phone the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

People who don’t have IT skills, or who have literacy difficulties or a language barrier should call the national Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.