Universal Credit (UC)

Universal Credit is the main benefit for working age people - whether you are in low-paid work, are looking for work, or unable to work because of a sickness or disability. 

There are lots of things that can go wrong with your Universal Credit payments - we have help for you if you have not been given the right decision about your fitness for work, if you have been given an unfair sanction, or if you have an overpayment you cannot afford to repay.

All unfair decisions should be challenged. See below for our help and advice.

This information applies in England, Wales, and Scotland. It will also be helpful for claimants in Northern Ireland where the rules are the same but the relevant government departments and forms are different.

Last updated: February 2026

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I want to apply for Universal Credit

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How the Universal Credit health element (LCWRA) works - descriptors, points and substantial risk rules
Understand how the work capability assessment works and what you will need to show so that you get the right amount of benefit if you have a health condition or disability.
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Claimant commitments and how to avoid a Universal Credit sanction
Everything you need to know about claimant commitments, how to get them right, and how to avoid a sanction.
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Apply for Universal Credit
Discover who is eligibile for Universal Credit and how to make a claim successfully.

I have been given a Universal Credit sanction

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Universal Credit sanction anytime revision letter tool
This free tool makes it easy to challenge a Universal Credit sanction no matter how long ago you got it. Almost all UC sanctions can be overturned.
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What to do if you get a Universal Credit sanction
Got a Universal Credit sanction? Don’t panic. Our step-by-step guide empowers you to get the sanction overturned, and get help with money now.

I have a Universal Credit overpayment

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Universal Credit overpayments
Everything you need to know about deductions to repay an overpayment, including how to ask that they be reduced, and how to ask not to pay back the money if you cannot afford the basics.

I disagree with a decision about whether I am fit for work

Tool
Ask for a mandatory reconsideration of a work capability assessment decision
Our self-help tool makes it easier to challenge an unfair decision about your LCW or LCWRA effectively.
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Challenging a work capability assessment decision - what you need to know
Everything you need to know about mandatory reconsiderations of the low capability for work or work-related activity element of Universal Credit and how long it will take.
Information hub
FAQs about work capability assessment mandatory reconsiderations and appeal
Answers written by welfare rights advisers to the most frequently asked questioned about work capability assessment challenges and appeals. All answers apply equally to ESA and Universal Credit health element.
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What should you do about your work capability assessment decision?
Get guidance on what you should do - whether you got 0 points, were told you were well enough to work, or were put in the low capability for work (LCW) group when you think you should have been put in the low capability for work and work-related activity

I want to appeal a work capability assessment decision

(I have a mandatory reconsideration decision)

Information
Appeal a work capability assessment decision
What you need to do to ask for an appeal and increase your chances of having the decision changed before the hearing
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Prepare for the work capability assessment appeal hearing
Help to get good evidence that shows why you are entitled to a higher award
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Work capability assessment appeal process
What to expect and when.

I am going to a work capability assessment appeal hearing

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Work capability assessment tribunal hearings
Everything you need to know about what will happen at the hearing, what to do on the day, and when you will get the decision.
Tool
Write a tribunal submission for your work capability assessment appeal
Make your appeal hearing less stressful by writing a submission that sets out your case and why you have low capability for work, so you don't have to remember what to say on the day. It’s like having your own benefits adviser.
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Supporting a friend or family at an appeal about their work capability?
What you can do to help at a Universal Credit appeal hearing.

I want to find an adviser

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How to find an adviser to help with your benefits
It is now much harder to find advice and help with your benefits than it used to be. But here we explain where to start.

Benefits self-help tool

These digital tools make it easier to say why you are entitled so you get the decision changed

ESA or Universal Credit

Work capability assessment mandatory reconsideration tool

Our self-help tool makes it easier to challenge an unfair decision about your ability to work. Don't put it off. 
ESA or Universal Credit

Tribunal submission tool for work capability assessment appeals

If you have an appeal hearing coming up about your ability to work, use our digital self-help tool to set out your case for the tribunal. It will mean you don't have the pressure of trying to remember everything on the day. 
Universal Credit sanction

Ask for a sanction decision to be reconsidered

This free tool makes it easy to challenge a Universal Credit sanction decision. Ask for an anytime revision, no matter when you got the sanction. 

Can't find what you are looking for?

Getting free one-to-one advice about benefits is hard. All advice services are extremely busy. We are here  to help everyone who cannot get in at an advice service and cannot afford to pay for legal help.

We give you the knowledge, confidence, and skills you need to deal with the issue yourself, or with the help of friends or family.  If you need more help than you can get from our advice guides and self-help tools, we explain how to try to find advice.

Acknowledgements

Advicenow would like to thank everyone who provided advice and feedback on these resources. Without it they would not be as helpful as they are.

Advicenow is grateful to the Ministry of Justice for funding the updating of all of these resources under the Online Support and Advice Grant.

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