Hardship Payments - How do I claim Universal Credit hardship payments
Hardship Payments are reduced-rate payments of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC) that are made in limited circumstances, including if you have been sanctioned.
- Last reviewed 17 January 2025
How do I claim Universal Credit hardship payments
To make a claim, you can leave a message on your Universal Credit online journal or speak to your work coach.
You can also make a claim by calling the Universal Credit contact centre.
In England, Scotland and Wales:
Universal Credit helpline (Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, closed bank holidays)
- Telephone: 0800 328 5644
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
- Welsh language line: 0800 328 1744
In Northern Ireland:
Universal Credit Service Centre (Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, closed bank holidays)
- Telephone: 0800 012 1331
- Textphone: 0800 012 1441
- Use the video relay service for Irish Sign Language (ISL) or British Sign Language (BSL)
An appointment will normally be arranged at the Jobcentre office for you to provide the information and evidence required to support your application.
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