Register for Council Tax and find information on how to claim benefits, who to contact if you need help and where to get more advice.
Your eligibility for UK welfare benefits will depend upon your immigration status.
If you have a ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ condition on your visa this means you will not be able to claim welfare support. If the UK government has recognised you as a refugee (you have Refugee Status), then you're entitled to UK welfare support.
Until you're able to support yourself, you may be eligible to receive financial support from the government, known as ‘benefits’, to pay for your living expenses. Which benefits you receive will depend on your circumstances.
Benefits might include:
The department that deals with benefits is called the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Local offices are referred to as Jobcentre Plus offices and they also assist people to find work.
Jobcentre Plus is part of the Department for Work and Pensions. It pays benefits to people of working age.
Universal Credit is a benefit paid to you each month if you do not have a job, cannot work or you’re on a low income. The amount you get depends on things like if you have a child or need help with housing costs.
To claim Universal Credit, you will need a bank account and an email address. You will also need your passport or IS116. We recommend you start this process as soon as possible.
If you’re not able to open a UK bank account you can still get benefits, but you’ll have to collect your benefits in person and take proof of identity with you.
You can apply for Universal Credit online. You can also phone the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Citizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities