Claiming Universal Credit

The Department for Work and Pensions have put in place special arrangements for people in receipt of benefits who cannot attend reassessments or job centre appointments because they are required to stay at home or are infected by coronavirus.

Disabled and sick claimants who cannot attend a reassessment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit will continue to receive their payments while their assessment is rearranged. People who need to claim ESA or Universal Credit because of coronavirus will not be required to produce a Fit Note.

Claimants who inform the Department for Work and Pensions in good time that they are staying at home or that they have been diagnosed with Coronavirus will not be sanctioned.

Claimants who are staying at home as a result of Coronavirus will have their mandatory work search and work availability requirements removed to account for a period of sickness.

For the most up to date information, visit the Department for Work and Pensions dedicated website page for Coronavirus.