Universal Credit website down as hundreds locked out of accounts
HUNDREDS of hard-up Brits are locked out of their Universal Credit journals due to a mass internet outage.
Parts of gov.uk are affected meaning users can't access help, advice or log into their benefits account.
When users visit the Universal Credit log in page, they are greeted with a message telling them "service unavailable".
Independent outage tracker DownDetector says that over 500 customers have reported issues with the gov.uk website.
More than 6.4million struggling Brits rely on Universal Credit to supplement their income.
A number of customers have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to grumble about the outage.
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One customer said: "What is wrong with your Universal Credit website?"
Another said: "I need to login to my UC account, but it keeps saying service unavailable!"
A third added: "The DWP website is showing 'Sorry, the service is unavailable. Try again later'."
The cause of the outage remains unclear.
We've reached out to the Department for Work and Pensions and asked when they expect the issue will be resolved.
Customers needing to contact Universal Credit, can alternatively ring the UC Helpline on 0800 328 5644.
What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit
IF you're experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don't cover costs, here are your options:
- Apply for an advance - Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it's a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit payout.
- Alternative Payment Arrangements - If you're falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you're part of a couple.
- Budgeting Advance - You may be able to get help from the Government for emergency household costs. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You'll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You'll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
- Cut your Council Tax - You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax by applying for a Council Tax Reduction. Alternatively, you might be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments to help cover your rent.
- Foodbanks - If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one by visiting trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank.
What is the Universal Credit journal?
The Universal Credit online journal is a vital tool for managing Universal Credit claims.
It is a secure online space within a claimant’s Universal Credit account, designed to facilitate communication with their work coach.
Through the journal, claimants can exchange messages, record details of job applications and interviews, upload important documents such as CVs, and provide updates on any training or courses they are undertaking.
The journal also serves as a record of completed tasks from the claimant's to-do list, helping to keep everything organised in one place.
Claimants are strongly advised to check their journal regularly to stay informed about important messages and to report any changes in their circumstances without delay.
Failure to do so could result in their benefits being reduced or stopped.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data.
You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.