Universal Credit (UC)

Universal Credit is the main benefit for working age people - whether you are in low-paid work, are looking for work, or unable to work because of a sickness or disability. 

There are lots of things that can go wrong with your Universal Credit payments - we have help for you if you have not been given the right decision about your fitness for work, if you have been given an unfair sanction, or if you have an overpayment you cannot afford to repay.

All unfair decisions should be challenged. See below for our help and advice.

This information applies in England, Wales, and Scotland. It will also be helpful for claimants in Northern Ireland where the rules are the same but the relevant government departments and forms are different.

Last updated: March 2024

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I want to apply for Universal Credit

Information
Limited capability for work and work related activity component of UC
Understand how the work capability assessment works and what you will need to show so that you get the right amount of benefit if you have a health condition or disability.

I disagree with a decision about how much Universal Credit I am entitled to

Ask for a mandatory reconsideration of a work capability assessment decision
Our self-help tool makes it easier to challenge an unfair decision about your LCW or LCWRA effectively.
Information
Challenging a work capability assessment decision - what you need to know
Everything you need to know about mandatory reconsiderations of the low capability for work or work-related activity element of Universal Credit and how long it will take.
Information
What should I do?
Get guidance on what you should do - whether you got 0 points, were told you were well enough to work, or were put in the wrong group.

I want to appeal a work capability assessment decision

(I have a mandatory reconsideration decision)

Information
Appeal a work capability assessment decision
What you need to do to ask for an appeal and increase your chances of having the decision changed before the hearing
Information
Prepare for the work capability assessment appeal hearing
Help to get good evidence that shows why you are entitled to a higher award
Information
Work capability assessment appeal process
What to expect and when.

I am going to a work capability assessment appeal hearing

Information
Work capability assessment tribunal hearings
Everything you need to know about what will happen at the hearing, what to do on the day, and when you will get the decision.
Write a tribunal submission for your work capability assessment appeal
Make your appeal hearing less stressful by writing a submission that sets out your case and why you have low capability for work, so you don't have to remember what to say on the day. It’s like having your own benefits adviser.
Information
Friend or family?
What you can do to help at a Universal Credit appeal hearing

I want to avoid or deal with Universal Credit sanction

Information
Avoid a Universal Credit sanction
Everything you need to know about what will happen at the hearing, what to do on the day, and when you will get the decision.
Information
Challenge a Universal Credit sanction
If you are sanctioned and lose your benefit there are still things you can do. Find out how to challenge a sanction and how to get by in the meantime.

I want to deal with a Universal Credit overpayment

Information
Universal Credit overpayments
Everything you need to know about deductions to repay an overpayment, including how to ask that they be reduced, and how to ask not to pay back the money if you cannot afford the basics.

I want to find an adviser

Information
How to find an adviser to help with your benefits
It is now much harder to find advice and help with your benefits than it used to be. But here we explain where to start.

Appeal a work capability assessment decision - printed guide

Receive a high-quality printed guide that includes all of our advice on how to successfully challenge and appeal a  work capability assessment decision straight to your door. Printed and dispatched within 2 working days and posted 2nd class. 

Benefits self-help tool

These digital tools make it easier to say why you are entitled so you get the decision changed

ESA or Universal Credit
Work capability assessment mandatory reconsideration tool

Our self-help tool makes it easier to challenge an unfair decision about your ability to work. Don't put it off. 
ESA or Universal Credit
Tribunal submission tool for work capability assessment appeals

If you have an appeal hearing coming up about your ability to work, use our digital self-help tool to set out your case for the tribunal. It will mean you don't have the pressure of trying to remember everything on the day. 

Can't find what you are looking for?

Getting free one-to-one advice about benefits is hard. All advice services are extremely busy. We are here  to help everyone who cannot get in at an advice service and cannot afford to pay for legal help.

We give you the knowledge, confidence, and skills you need to deal with the issue yourself, or with the help of friends or family.  If you need more help than you can get from our advice guides and self-help tools, we explain how to try to find advice.

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