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Benefits
The Government provides financial assistance to some people in the form of benefits.
In 2012, the Welfare Reform Act became law in the UK. It was passed to change the welfare system in the UK and “make work pay”. You can see a summary of these changes in this video.
A key example of change is that, since April 2013, Universal Credit has begun to gradually replace a number of key benefits for people of working age who are looking for work or are on a low income.
This section looks at the different situations when benefits might be available to you.
At the moment, there are a lot of changes going on, so do read our different pages carefully.
For example, some new benefits have already been brought in, some new benefits have not yet been brought in, and other benefits will stay the same.
Making a new or repeat claim for benefit
- You can ring Jobcentre Plus to make a new benefit claim on 0800 055 6688 (English) or 0800 012 1888 (Welsh)
- Textphone: 0800 023 4888 if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech difficulties
- Calls are free from a landline. Charges may apply when calling from a mobile phone, but Jobcentre Plus will arrange to call you back if you ask
- Phone lines are open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday
- You can claim online
- When Universal Credit has fully replaced the current benefit system, all applications will be made online (where possible)
