The Help to Claim (HTC) service is delivered by Citizens Advice and funded by the DWP. HTC staff can advise on entitlement to UC, calculate how much you may receive, advise and support with the claims process and help up to the first correct payment of UC.
The HTC service is provided via telephone or webchat. Staff cannot complete your UC claim for you but will either support you to complete your own online claim or help you navigate the process of making a phone claim.
You can contact HTC by telephone from 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday on the following numbers:
- England: 0800 144 8 444
- Scotland: 0800 023 2581
- Wales: 08000 241 220
- Relay UK (England): 18001 then 0800 144 8 444
- Relay UK (Wales): 18001 then 08000 241 220
An interpreter can be requested if you need advice in a different language.
You can access the webchat service from 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday using the following links:
- England and Wales: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim/
- Scotland: https://www.cas.org.uk/helptoclaim
HTC advisers may refer you to your local Citizens Advice office if there are aspects of your query that are outside the scope of the HTC service or if you need face to face support.
The HTC does not operate in Northern Ireland but advice on claiming UC may be available from other providers: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/northern-ireland/
