When will I have to claim?

Universal Credit (UC) is available throughout the country. You will only need to claim Universal Credit if you are making a new claim for benefits.

However, there are a few circumstances where you will not need to claim Universal Credit if you are making a new claim for benefits:

• You are claiming ‘New Style’ ESA, Contribution - Based ESA or ‘ New Style’ JSA instead.
• You are in receipt of a Severe Disability Premium or you have received the Severe Disability Premium within the last month and you’re still eligible for it.