Universal Credit contact numbers
Looking for the Universal Credit phone number? Here are the official, free-to-call contact details in one place, with plain-English notes on which line to use and what to try first. This is an independent guide: we are not the DWP, and every number below goes straight to the official service — no call-connection services, no premium rates, no charge from us.
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Free from mobiles and landlines.
Universal Credit contact numbers at a glance
| What you need | Number or link | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit helpline (England, Scotland and Wales) | 0800 328 5644 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Welsh language line | 0800 328 1744 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone) | 18001 then 0800 328 5644 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| British Sign Language (BSL) video relay | DWP video relay service | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Northern Ireland: Universal Credit Service Centre | 0800 012 1331 | See Department for Communities |
| Help to Claim (Citizens Advice) — England | 0800 144 8 444 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Help to Claim — Scotland | 0800 023 2581 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Help to Claim — Wales (also Welsh-speaking advisers) | 08000 241 220 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
Numbers starting 0800 and 0808 are freephone numbers, so the call costs you nothing from a UK mobile or landline. If a website shows you a different number for Universal Credit — especially one starting 09, 084, 087 or 118 — it is not the official line and may charge you. Close it and use the number above.
Do you need to phone at all?
For most everyday questions, your online account is quicker than the phone. Once you have a claim, you can sign in to see your next payment date and statement, report a change, read your to-do list and send a message to your work coach or case manager through your journal. Replies can take a few days, but you avoid the queue and you have a written record of what you asked and what you were told. Our journal and account guide explains how.
The phone is the better choice when you cannot get online, when you are making a claim and need help, when something is urgent (for example your payment has not arrived and you have no money for essentials), or when you have been asked to call.
Which line is right for you?
- You live in England, Scotland or Wales and already claim: use your journal, or call 0800 328 5644.
- You would rather speak Welsh: call 0800 328 1744.
- You are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties: use Relay UK by dialling 18001 then 0800 328 5644, or the BSL video relay service.
- You live in Northern Ireland: Universal Credit there is run by the Department for Communities — call 0800 012 1331.
- You have not claimed yet and want help applying: Citizens Advice runs the free Help to Claim service. See our new claim guide.
- You want New Style JSA or ESA: these have separate lines — new claims on 0800 055 6688 and existing claims via Jobcentre Plus on 0800 169 0310 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm).
Popular guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the Universal Credit phone number?
The official Universal Credit helpline is 0800 328 5644. It is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and is free to call. The Welsh language line is 0800 328 1744.
Is the Universal Credit helpline free?
Yes. 0800 numbers are freephone from UK mobiles and landlines. Be careful of websites showing other numbers that charge you to be connected.
Is the helpline open at weekends?
No. The Universal Credit helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Outside those hours you can still sign in to your online account and leave a journal message.
Is this the official Universal Credit website?
No. This is an independent guide that collects the official free numbers in one place. To manage your claim, use your Universal Credit account on GOV.UK.
I live in Northern Ireland — which number do I use?
Call the Universal Credit Service Centre on 0800 012 1331, run by the Department for Communities.
More Universal Credit and benefits guides
Last checked against official sources: 23 October 2026. Numbers and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.