Do you need help with a Universal Credit claim? 

If you are thinking about claiming Universal Credit for the first time, we can help. Our trained advisers can guide you through the process, whether you're looking for answers to quick questions or step-by-step support to make your claim.

Universal Credit is the fastest growing advice area for the Citizens Advice network in Scotland. Since the roll-out began we’ve helped thousands of people with Universal Credit issues.

Universal Credit is a government benefit payment designed to help with living costs. It's paid monthly (or twice a month for some people in Scotland), and it can be paid to people on a low income or who are out of work.

Universal Credit is being introduced across the UK in stages, and replaces: Housing Benefit; income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA); Child Tax Credit; Working Tax Credit; and Income Support. There are several stages involved in claiming Universal Credit, and it should be claimed online.

How can you access the service?

Our service is available by phone and online through webchat as well as through our online advice pages - to allow you to access support in the way that’s right for you.

You might be sign-posted or referred to the service by the Job Centre or other support agencies, or you can self-refer.  Whatever route you take, you can access the service in a way that suits you so you can get the support you need. 

Help to Claim Helpline number 

0800 023 2581

Monday to Friday from 8am - 6pm 

(Calls to this number are free)

Click on the button below to go straight to the Help to Claim website where you can get in touch by webchat, request a callback, or use the BSL video relay service.