How to apply for Universal Credit in Northern Ireland

Our Benefits calculator will quickly show you how much you could get, as it depends on your circumstances.

You can work as many hours as you like and still qualify for Universal Credit (as it’s based on your income), so it’s always worth checking you’re not missing out. 

Universal Credit is paid at the same rate wherever you live in the UK and is made up of:

• a standard allowance, and 

• additional elements for things like housing and the costs of bringing up children, caring or coping with ill health. 

This amount might then be reduced depending on other income you get. For example, from work or other benefits. 

For more information, see our guides:

• Universal Credit explained  

• How much is Universal Credit?

You can apply for Universal Credit online at GOV.UKOpens in a new window 

If you’ll struggle to apply online, you can:

• call the Universal Credit Service CentreOpens in a new window

• visit your local Jobs and Benefits officeOpens in a new window

It’s usually best to speak to a free Advice NI adviser before applying, especially if you’re moving from existing benefits.   

For more help and information, see our guides:

• How to apply for Universal Credit

• Moving to Universal Credit from other benefits

• How to open a bank account for your benefit payments.

After applying, it can take up to five weeks to get your first payment. If you’ll struggle while you’ll wait, you can ask for:

• a short-term living expenses grant you won’t need to repay from the Universal Credit Contingency Fund (UCCF) – see how to apply at nidirectOpens in a new window

• a Universal Credit advance loan to get your money early, but you’ll need to repay this – see our guide Universal Credit advance payments.

You can apply for both the UCCF and advance.  

For lots of other steps you can take, see our guide Help managing your money while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment.

Universal Credit is always calculated monthly, but you have a few choices about how Universal Credit is paid in Northern Ireland:

• Universal Credit is usually paid twice a month, but you can ask for once a month.

• If you claim Universal Credit as a couple, it’s paid as one payment for the household – either to one of you or into a joint account. But you can ask to split the payment so you each receive some. 

• If you qualify for the housing costs element to cover some or all of your rent, this will be paid directly to your landlord. But you might be able to ask for this to be paid to you instead if you meet certain conditions. 

To request a change, you can add a note to your journal using your online Universal Credit accountOpens in a new window

If you’re having trouble with your online account, you can: 

• call the Universal Credit Service CentreOpens in a new window 

• speak to your work coach. 

When you know the date of your Universal Credit payment, ask your landlord if you can move the date you pay your rent to just after you get your Universal Credit payment – or wages if you’re also working. 

You can then set up a standing order to pay your rent automatically using online banking or by asking your bank. 

After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment, you’ll know if your payment covers all your rent. 

If it doesn’t cover all your rent, you might be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)Opens in a new window from the Housing Executive. 

For more information, see our guide Help if you can’t afford your rent.

After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment, you might qualify for extra help and discounts. For example:

• help paying your RatesOpens in a new window

• discounts on your broadband and other bills.

For full information and how to apply, see our guide Help managing your money if you receive benefits.

Advice NI offers free, independent and impartial advice on a range of things, including if you’re: 

• making a new Universal Credit claim 

• moving to Universal Credit from existing benefits due to:

• a change of circumstances

• getting a Migration Notice.

You can speak to an adviser: 

• onlineOpens in a new window

• by calling 0800 915 4604

• by email .

For other help and support where you live, try Advicelocal Opens in a new window

See nidirect for moreOpens in a new window information on Universal Credit in Northern IrelandOpens in a new window

You can order our free printed guide Universal Credit – managing your money in Northern Ireland, plus many others on different topics.