Money, benefits and employment

Universal Credit application

You will need to create an account online, to do this you will need

• an email address
• bank account details
• and ID

Apply online for Universal Credit

Universal Credit helpline

• Telephone: 0800 328 5644
• Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 328 5644
• Textphone: 0800 328 1344
• Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Access to translation services and support with making applications is available at local Job Centres. 

Find your nearest job centre

You can also get support from Citizens Advice 

Help to claim

Bank Account Applications

To open a bank account in the UK, you usually need to show proof of ID such as;

• passport
• biometric residency permit
• driver’s licence
• or recognised identity card

You also need proof of permanent address.

The Government has worked with major banks to find a solution to enable you to open accounts without the usual permanent address requirement.

A number of UK banks already have a system for opening accounts where you do not have a permanent UK address

Natwest

Royal Bank of Scotland

National Insurance Numbers

You can apply for a National Insurance number if you live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

You must also be looking for work or have an offer to start work in the UK.

If you have already started working you can still apply.

To get a National Insurance number you need to apply online and prove your identity.

If you attend the job centre, you can be supported to do this along side your Universal Credit application or you can begin your application online below.

Apply for a National Insurance number

You can get help with your application by calling the freephone number;

• Telephone: 0800 141 2079
• Textphone: 0800 141 2438
• Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

Employment Support and Advice

DWP can support adults who have arrived via the Homes for Ukraine Scheme with job seeking.

Once their claim is active, claimants will be allocated a dedicated Work Coach. Who will complete a Claimant Commitment appointment.

At this appointment a Work Coach will assess applicant needs, skills and explore employment options.

This appointment will help identify any support needs.  

Translation support is available via DWP for attending Job Centre appointments. 

National Careers Service - South West

The National Careers Service provide free information, careers and skills advice that's tailored to you.

Help is available online, or with a careers advisor over the phone. Face to face support also available for some customers.

The National Careers Service website provides careers advice and information.

Including, a wide range of jobs, resources for training courses and funding.

Local careers advisors in Cornwall can help you back into work or alternative employment by providing:

• Job search and job hunting skills.
• Applications and covering letters.
• Access to over 750 job profiles.
• Interview preparation.
• On-line applications.
• CV support.
• Email set up.
• Career guidance
• Access to Labour Market Information.
• Training and Personal Development.
• Maths and English skills assessments.
• Apprenticeship and Traineeship Advice.
• Universal Jobmatch.
• Voluntary Work.
• Translation of qualifications

Call the National freephone helpline on 0800 100 900 or call the local Cornwall number on 01872 248630.

National Careers Service can arrange an Advisor to meet you locally or provide guidance over the phone or via email.

Translated information (Ukrainian) about DWP and National Careers Service

Workers Rights Leaflet (Ukrainian)