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.
A number of customers have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to grumble about the outage.
One customer said: “Wat 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’.”
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.