When you complete the online application, the website will tell you if you need to go to a local Job Centre. When you go to the Job Centre, you will meet a ‘work coach’. They will offer help and support about finding work in the UK and also help you apply for a National Insurance Number (NINO) if you do not have one. This is a unique and personal number. It takes about 2-6 weeks for a NINO to come. It will be sent to you in the post.

If you are joining a Universal Credit claim with your partner their claim will be suspended. It is important to be aware that after making a joint claim, your partner’s Universal Credit may be stopped for around five weeks.

If you already have a national insurance number and a bank account, you can ask your work coach for advance payment. This payment is a loan and will be repaid by deducting from future payments of Universal Credit. If your partner is working, you may still be able to get extra help by applying for Universal Credit jointly and your partner’s income will affect how much money you receive