Help to Claim
Support for Universal Credit applications
The Help to Claim service from Citizens Advice Wirral provides free, confidential, and impartial support for anyone applying for Universal Credit (UC) for the first time. Our trained advisers are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive your first payment correctly and on time.
Who is Help to Claim for?
Help to Claim is for anyone of working age who is applying for Universal Credit for the first time, including:
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Young people aged 16-17 in specific circumstances (e.g., care leavers or those with limited capability for work)
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help starting your claim, we’re here for you.
Why use Help to Claim?
Applying for Universal Credit can be complicated, and mistakes may delay payments. Our advisers will guide you through the process, helping you:
- Set up your online Universal Credit account
- Complete claim tasks and provide all the necessary information
- Verify your identity
- Understand your claimant commitments
With our support, you can feel confident that your application is accurate and complete.
What to expect from Help to Claim
- Initial support: We’ll assist with setting up your UC account and completing your claim.
- Eligibility checks: We’ll ensure you’re eligible and help you provide the right information.
- Specialist advice: If you’re moving from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit, we’ll guide you through the transition, checking your entitlements and explaining the changes.
How to access Help to Claim
You can access the Help to Claim service through the following channels:
Call us
Call us on 0800 144 8 444 between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday
Online Chat
Click on this box to visit our Help to Claim page and you can chat about your application with an adviser online.
We’re here to make sure you get the support you need every step of the way.
If you’re unsure what support you need, don’t worry - just reach out, and we’ll figure it out together.
We understand how challenging it can be to apply for Universal Credit, and we’re here to make it easier. Our advisers work hard every day to support people in our community, ensuring they get the right help quickly.
– Carol Johnson-Eyre, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Wirral