Universal Credit
Help to Claim
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 08:00 – 18:00
Get help applying for Universal Credit
Our Help to Claim service can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application, through to your first payment.
Help to Claim is a dedicated service from Citizens Advice. It’s free, independent and confidential. Our trained advisers can help with things like how to gather evidence for your application or how to prepare for your work coach appointment.
Call us for free: 0800 144 8444
Visit us: This service has been suspended
See our Help whilst we’re closed page
Mon: 09.00 – 16.30
Wed: 09.00 – 16.30
Thu: 09.00 – 16.30
We also provide face to face drop in service at Job Centre Plus in Chelmsford as part of the Help to Claim service.
Times for drop in at Job Centre Plus:
Mon + Tue: 13:45 – 16:15
Wed: 10:00 – 13:00
For online advice visit: citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim
You can also learn more in general about Universal Credit by visiting our YouTube channel
If you’re a local organisation working with people who need help applying Universal Credit get in touch with us by email here for more information on how you can signpost or refer people to our service.
The Universal Credit “Help to Claim” line is staffed by a
dedicated team of trained volunteers, able to help:
- Check whether you are eligible for Universal
credit - Set up an email address and/or Universal credit
account - Work through your claim to-dos
- Access the Universal Credit helpline or
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) home visit service - Verify your identity
- Provide additional evidence
- Prepare for monthly payments
- Access direct payments to your landlord
- Apply for additional financial support
As this is a national telephone number, your call might not
be answered by the Chelmsford office. However, all our volunteers are trained to help and if further advice is needed, then the “Help to Claim” line volunteer will ask the Chelmsford office to contact you to arrange an appointment.
You can learn more about Universal Credit on the Citizens Advice website or visit our YouTube channel
