The DWP does not have a single contact number. Each benefit has its own dedicated helpline. Knowing which number to call gets you through to someone who actually handles your type of claim, rather than sitting in a queue only to be transferred.
All 0800 numbers listed below are free to call from UK landlines and mobiles. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, unless stated otherwise.
DWP Phone Numbers by Benefit
| Benefit | Phone Number |
| Universal Credit | 0800 328 5644 |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | 0800 121 4433 |
| State Pension | 0800 731 0469 |
| Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) | 0800 169 0190 |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | 0800 169 0190 |
| Income Support | 0800 169 0310 |
| Carer's Allowance | 0800 731 0297 |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | 0800 121 4600 |
| Attendance Allowance | 0800 731 0122 |
| Pension Credit | 0800 99 1234 |
| Tax Credits (HMRC, not DWP) | 0345 300 3900 |
| National Benefit Fraud Hotline | 0800 854 440 (24 hours) |
| Independent Case Examiner | 0800 414 8529 |
| Citizens Advice Help to Claim | 0800 144 8 444 |
How to Contact DWP by Phone for Universal Credit
Universal Credit claimants have a faster option than calling. Your online journal at gov.uk/sign-in-universal-credit is available 24 hours a day. You can use it to message your work coach, report changes, upload documents, and check payment dates without waiting on hold.
That said, some things genuinely require a phone call: requesting an advance payment, reporting a change you cannot submit online, or dealing with a claim suspension.
When you call 0800 328 5644, the automated system will ask for your National Insurance number and date of birth. Have these ready before you dial. After verification, say clearly what you need. Phrases like "I want to report a change of circumstances" or "I want to request an advance payment" route you to the right team faster than vague descriptions.
Best Time to Call DWP
Lines open at 8am and call volumes are high immediately. A pattern observed by welfare advisers is that phoning at 8:59:45am, just before the system opens, means your call enters the queue as soon as the line goes live.
Mid-morning (9:30am to 11am) and early afternoon (2pm to 4pm) tend to have shorter waits than the start of day or the lunch hour.
Avoid Mondays where possible. The start of the week brings the highest call volumes across DWP helplines.
Textphone and Accessibility
All DWP 0800 numbers support textphone access. Dial 18001 followed by the relevant number. For example, to reach Universal Credit via textphone: 18001 0800 328 5644.
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay is available for most DWP services through the SignVideo service at dwp.signvideo.net.
What to Have Ready Before You Call
- National Insurance number
- Date of birth
- Your Universal Credit claim reference (if applicable)
- Details of the issue you are calling about
- A pen and paper to record the name of the adviser and the time of your call
If your call is about an existing claim, note the date of any letters or journal messages you have received, as the adviser will likely ask.
If You Cannot Get Through
DWP phone lines can be very busy during peak periods. If you cannot get through after several attempts:
- Use your online Universal Credit journal to leave a message (for UC claimants)
- Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office in person
- Ask Citizens Advice for help through their Help to Claim service (0800 144 8 444)
- Ask your MP to contact the DWP on your behalf if there is an urgent unresolved problem
How to Make a Complaint About DWP
If you have received poor service, raise the issue first with your work coach or the local office manager. If that does not resolve it, call 0800 169 0190 to make a formal complaint. If the formal complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, contact the Independent Case Examiner on 0800 414 8529. As a final step, your MP can refer your case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main DWP phone number?
There is no single DWP phone number. Each benefit has its own helpline. For Universal Credit, call 0800 328 5644. For PIP, call 0800 121 4433. For State Pension, call 0800 731 0469.
Are DWP phone numbers free?
Yes. All 0800 DWP numbers are free to call from UK landlines and mobile phones. The number for Tax Credits (0345 300 3900) is operated by HMRC rather than DWP and is charged at the standard rate, though it is usually included in mobile contract allowances.
What are DWP phone line opening hours?
Most DWP helplines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. The National Benefit Fraud Hotline (0800 854 440) is open 24 hours a day. Lines are closed on UK public holidays.
Can I contact DWP by email?
The DWP does not have a public email address. Universal Credit claimants can send messages to their work coach through their online journal at gov.uk/sign-in-universal-credit. Other contact is handled by phone, post, or in person at a Jobcentre Plus.
What should I do if DWP calls me unexpectedly?
The DWP does occasionally call claimants, but be cautious. If someone calls you claiming to be the DWP and asks for your bank details or passwords, end the call. Genuine DWP staff will never ask for your full PIN, password, or bank account number. You can call back on the official number for your benefit to verify if the call was genuine.
How do I contact DWP in Scotland?
Some benefits in Scotland are now administered by Social Security Scotland rather than the DWP. These include Adult Disability Payment (replacing PIP), Scottish Child Payment, and the Best Start Grant. Contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
