At Crystal Law, we understand that challenges can arise when claiming Universal Credit. Whether your claim has been rejected, suspended, or you’ve been asked to repay an overpayment, our experienced solicitors have supported countless individuals in securing the Universal Credit that they are lawfully entitled to. Our solicitors are committed to providing you with clear, practical, and effective legal advice that’s accessible to clients across the UK.
Talk to our expert solicitors and find out how we can help.
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Our expert solicitors have a wealth of experience, bourne from years of helping 1000s of clients located across the UK on a wide variety of legal matters.
With our extensive knowledge and understanding across many key areas of UK civil law, we're able to provide bespoke legal advice that's tailored to your circumstances.
We know that the law can feel extremely complex and we are there to guide our clients with our down-to-earth approach and jargon-free legal advice.
Universal Credit can be essential in helping individuals manage the costs of living when struggling financially, but the application and appeal process can quickly become complicated and overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Crystal Law, our solicitors pride themselves on supporting those who are struggling to navigate and challenge the benefits system. Through our tailored support, we have successfully supported hundreds of individuals, making sure they get the credit that they are legally entitled to.
Our experienced solicitors are here to support you through every stage of the Universal Credit claim process, from the initial claim to any appeals or tribunal hearings. We make sure that you are equipped with the knowledge needed to prepare the strongest possible case for your entitlement. Here’s how Crystal Law can help you:
Our non-judgmental, jargon-free approach has made us a team of trusted solicitors for those facing benefit claims and appeals. Whether you’re navigating a new Universal Credit claim or are dealing with a refusal appeal, our team offers knowledgeable and compassionate support at every stage of the process.
You usually have 1 month from the date of the decision to challenge it. This involves:
Strict time limits apply, so seeking reliable legal advice early is important to secure the Universal Credit that you are lawfully entitled to.
A Universal Credit (UC) claim can be refused or reduced for several reasons.
You may not qualify if your income, savings, or household circumstances mean you do not meet the eligibility criteria. For example, capital over £16,000 will usually prevent entitlement.
Your award can also be reduced if you do not meet your claimant commitments. This may result in a sanction, which lowers your payment for a set period, rather than ending the claim entirely.
Universal Credit is assessed monthly. If your earnings, combined with your partner’s earnings where you have a joint claim, are high enough during an assessment period, your award for that month may be reduced to £0. If this happens for a sustained period, your claim may be closed, and you may need to make a new claim later.
This can occur, for example, if you receive final wages or holiday pay after submitting your claim, which increases your income within that assessment period.
You will not usually qualify for Universal Credit if your immigration status includes a condition of “no recourse to public funds”.
If you have been working and paying National Insurance contributions, you may instead be eligible for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance or New Style Employment and Support Allowance, which are contribution-based benefits and are not means-tested in the same way.
You may be eligible to claim Universal Credit if you:
A claimant commitment sets out what you are required to do to continue receiving Universal Credit. This is tailored to your individual circumstances, including your health, caring responsibilities, and work situation.
Some people in education may still qualify in limited circumstances, such as disabled students or those with children.
If you are currently receiving legacy benefits, you will normally be notified by the Department for Work and Pensions if and when you are required to move to Universal Credit.
Because eligibility depends on your personal and financial circumstances, it is sensible to seek advice before making a claim.
If you are currently receiving legacy benefits, such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefits, or Tax Credits, you will usually continue receiving them unless you are required to move to Universal Credit.
You may need to claim Universal Credit if:
Because the rules are complex and moving to Universal Credit can affect your overall entitlement, it is advisable to seek legal advice before making a new claim.
To find out more please visit the Fees and Payments section of our website under ‘Our Practice’.
