Guidance

Universal Credit if you're homeless

Updated 19 November 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-homeless-people/applying-for-universal-credit-information-for-homeless-people

You can still apply for Universal Credit if you’re homeless.

You do not need a fixed address to claim Universal Credit

You can claim Universal Credit if you have no permanent address, you’re sleeping rough, sofa surfing or staying in a hostel. 

If you do not have a fixed address

If you have no permanent address, you could use the following as your ‘care of’ address when you apply:

  • the hostel you’re staying in, or last stayed at
  • a friend or family member you trust
  • a day centre
  • your local jobcentre

What you need to apply

To apply for Universal Credit, you’ll usually need:

  • a bank, building society or credit union account
  • internet access
  • an email address
  • your National Insurance number
  • proof of identity

However, if you do not have access to these, help is available if you:

If you do not have a bank account

The jobcentre can advise you of support available to open a bank account. Many banks offer basic bank accounts.

The Payment Exception Service allows you to collect benefit payments without a bank account. The service is only available if you cannot open a bank, building society or credit union account.

If you do not have internet access

You can apply for Universal Credit online. If you do not have access to the internet you can go to a library or jobcentre to use the computers. 

Find your nearest library with IT facilities.

If you cannot claim online, you can claim by phone through the Universal Credit helpline.

If you do not have an email address

You can get help to set up an email address at your jobcentre or by using the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.

Many services do not need a phone number for you to verify your new email address. So do not worry if you do not have a mobile phone. 

If you do not have proof of identity

We can confirm your identity at an appointment at a jobcentre using a set of security questions.

If you do not know your National Insurance number

You can still apply for Universal Credit if you do not have a National Insurance number or do not know it. The quickest way to find it is on a document such as a pay slip or P60, online through a personal tax account or in the HMRC app.

Your responsibilities while claiming Universal Credit

Your claimant commitment sets out what you’ve agreed to do to prepare for, or look for work in return for receiving Universal Credit. It is tailored to your situation and reviewed regularly.

You must do everything you agree to in your commitment or your Universal Credit payment could be reduced or stopped. This is called a sanction.

Tell us about your situation

It may be difficult to talk about challenges you’re facing, such as addictions or poor mental health. You should also tell us if you’re struggling with the tasks in your claimant commitment.

It’s important you’re open with us about your situation so we can support you and review your claimant commitment if necessary.

If you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness we may be able to

  • reduce the amount of time each week that you should be looking for work
  • change the type of activities you’re expected to do

This temporary pause is so that you have time to look for somewhere to live. 

We can also refer you to your local council who may be able to help you find somewhere to live.

Report a change in circumstances

You can report a change of circumstances by:

Help and support

Universal Credit support towards housing costs

If you’re eligible for Universal Credit you can get help towards your rent. If you rent from a private landlord the amount of housing support you get depends on who you live with, how old you are and where you live. 

For example, if you’re under 35 and do not have a partner or children, you’ll usually only be able to claim for a single room in a shared house.

You may be able to get more than this if you have a history of homelessness or rough sleeping and have stayed in a hostel for homeless people for at least 3 months in total. There may also be other circumstances where you can get more help.

Find out more about help with housing costs if renting from a private landlord.

Contact us to find out more, by:

Housing Benefit

If you’re staying in a hostel, you can get Housing Benefit to help with rent.

Help with your claim

There are 2 ways to get help with your Universal Credit claim. You can either call the Universal Credit helpline or use the Help to Claim service.

Universal Credit helpline

Calls to the Universal Credit helpline are free.

Find out how to contact the Universal Credit helpline.

Help to Claim

You can get free support from trained advisers to make a Universal Credit claim. They can help you make your application and support you until your first complete correct payment is in place.

You can talk to them on the phone, online over chat or using the British Sign Language service.

The Help to Claim service is provided by Citizens Advice and is confidential. They will not share your personal information unless you agree.

Other financial help

We can refer you for budgeting support and debt advice if you need it.

Help while waiting for your first payment

Your claim starts on the day you submit it in your account. However, it usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first payment.

If you do not have enough to live on while you wait for your first Universal Credit payment, you can ask for an advance payment after you’ve made a claim. You will need to pay this back. Your Universal Credit payments will be lower until it’s repaid.

More frequent Universal Credit payments

Universal Credit is paid monthly. If you’re struggling with the single monthly payment, ask us about setting up more frequent payments. 

Back to top