Forgot Universal Credit Password? How to Reset It
Forgot your Universal Credit password? You can start the recovery process through the official sign in service.
If you cannot complete the recovery process, you may need further help from Universal Credit. For general guidance, see our Universal Credit Login guide.
Reviewed by Sarah Ahmed, benefits guidance writer. Last checked: August 2026
How to Reset Your Universal Credit Password
If you remember your username but forgot your password, start with the password recovery option.
Step 1: Open the Official Universal Credit Sign In Page
Start from the official Universal Credit Sign In service on GOV.UK.
Check the website before entering your login details.
Step 2: Choose the Forgotten Password Option
Select the “Forgotten your password?” option on the sign in page.
Follow the instructions shown by the service.
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Details
Enter the information requested during the recovery process.
You need access to the email connected to your account to change your password.
Step 4: Check Your Email
Check the inbox linked to your Universal Credit account.
Also check your spam or junk folder.
Look for the password recovery message and follow its instructions.
Step 5: Create Your New Password
Choose a strong password that meets the requirements shown by the service.
Do not reuse a password from another important account.
Step 6: Sign In Again
Return to the Universal Credit sign in service.
Enter your username and new password.
Once you regain access, check your journal and to do list.
What Password Does Universal Credit Require?
Your new password must meet the requirements shown when you create it. Some older guidance describes specific password rules, but these details can change. For that reason, follow the requirements displayed by the current sign in service.
Choose a password that other people cannot easily guess. Do not reuse your email, banking password, or another important password.
What If My Password Reset Email Does Not Arrive?
Start by checking the email account linked to your claim. Then check your spam or junk folder. Search your inbox for Universal Credit if you cannot find the message, and make sure you’re checking the correct email account.
If the message still does not arrive, return to the recovery process and follow the instructions again. Avoid repeatedly guessing your old password while waiting.
If recovery continues to fail, contact Universal Credit for help.
What If I Do Not Remember Which Email I Used?
Your registered email is important for password recovery. If you use several email accounts, check the addresses you commonly use. Look through older Universal Credit messages if you still have them.
Do not keep entering random email addresses. If you cannot identify the email linked to your claim, contact Universal Credit and explain the problem.
Can I Reset My Password Without Access to My Email?
If you no longer have access to the email linked to your account, normal online recovery may not work. Do not create a new claim simply because you cannot access your existing account.
Contact Universal Credit and explain that you have lost access to your registered email. You may need to complete identity checks before your account access problem can be dealt with.
What If Universal Credit Asks Me to Verify My Identity?
If DWP asks you to verify your identity in person, follow the appointment instructions you receive. You may be asked to attend a Jobcentre or another agreed location.
Do not visit a Jobcentre expecting an immediate password reset without being told to attend.
If you are asked to provide identity documents, bring the original documents requested. Current identity guidance can require one photographic ID document plus two supplementary identity documents, but the exact documents depend on your circumstances.
Do not rely on an old document list if DWP has given you different instructions.
What If My New Password Does Not Work?
A new password can appear not to work when your browser still has an older password saved.
Try these checks:
- Type the new password manually.
- Check for typing mistakes.
- Make sure you are using the latest password.
- Check your browser’s saved passwords.
- Check your password manager if you use one.
- Avoid relying on an old autofill entry.
If you reset your password more than once, use the newest password. If it still fails, stop making repeated attempts.
Use our Universal Credit Login Problems guide for broader sign in troubleshooting.
Is This Actually a Password Problem?
Not every failed sign in means you need another password reset.
| What is happening? | Correct help |
| You forgot your password | Universal Credit Password Help |
| You forgot your User ID | Universal Credit User ID Help |
| Your security code is not working | Universal Credit Security Code Help |
| Your login details are rejected | Universal Credit Login Problems |
| The sign in service is unavailable | Universal Credit Service Unavailable |
This distinction can save you from repeating the wrong recovery process. If your password works but your security code fails, use the security code guide instead.
What If I Forgot My Password and User ID?
Password recovery and User ID recovery are separate issues. If you know your User ID but forgot your password, continue with this page
If you forgot both, use Forgot Universal Credit User ID guide first. After recovering your User ID, return to the password recovery process.
There is no need to create another claim because you forgot your login details.
Should I Create a New Universal Credit Account?
No. Do not create a new claim simply because you forgot your password. Try to recover your existing account first.
Starting another claim can create confusion around your existing claim and its information. It can also mean you have to explain why another claim was started.
If you cannot regain access, contact Universal Credit and explain that you need help accessing your existing claim.
Recovering your existing account is the better route.
What Happens to Your Payments While You Cannot Log In?
Forgetting your password does not by itself mean your claim has ended. However, being unable to sign in can prevent you from seeing important claim information.
Your online account can contain:
- payment information
- your next payment date
- journal messages
- to do list tasks
- claimant commitment information
- requests from your work coach
If an important task is waiting in your account, you may not see it while locked out. If you cannot access your account and a deadline is approaching, contact Universal Credit promptly.
Explain that you cannot access your online account. Do not assume that an online deadline can be ignored because you cannot sign in.
What If Someone Else Knows My Password?
Change your password promptly if you think someone else knows it. Also secure the email account connected to your claim.
Do not give your password to friends, relatives, or people offering unofficial help. Someone helping with your claim should not need your private login password.
If you believe someone accessed your account, contact Universal Credit after securing your login details.
Do I Need GOV.UK One Login?
No. Universal Credit currently uses its own sign in service. GOV.UK One Login does not currently support Universal Credit.
Use the official Universal Credit sign in service instead. Starting from the official GOV.UK Universal Credit page also helps you avoid unofficial login websites.
When Should You Contact Universal Credit?
Try online password recovery first if you still have access to your registered email.
Contact Universal Credit if:
- you cannot access your registered email
- the recovery process does not work
- your new password still fails
- you believe someone accessed your account
- you cannot complete an important task because you cannot sign in
- you need help accessing an existing claim
Universal Credit Helpline
For England, Scotland and Wales:
| Service | Number | Hours |
| Universal Credit helpline | 0800 328 5644 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
| Textphone | 0800 328 1344 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
| Relay UK | 18001 then 0800 328 5644 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
| Welsh language | 0800 328 1744 | Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm |
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has separate Universal Credit contact arrangements.
| Service | Number | Hours |
| Universal Credit Service Centre | 0800 012 1331 | Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, excluding public holidays |
| Textphone | 0800 012 1441 | Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, excluding public holidays |
If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, you can also use Relay UK by dialling 18001 followed by 0800 012 1331.
How to Keep Your New Password Safe
Once you regain access, take a few simple precautions.
- Do not share your password.
- Do not reuse it on important accounts.
- Avoid saving it on a shared computer.
- Keep your email account secure.
- Check saved passwords after changing your login details.
- Use a trusted password manager if you choose to use one.
- Be careful with unexpected messages about your claim.
If someone unexpectedly asks for your password or bank details, do not provide them. Use the official Universal Credit contact route if you are unsure about a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my Universal Credit password?
Open the official Universal Credit sign in service and select the forgotten password option. Follow the recovery instructions and create your new password.
What if my Universal Credit password reset email does not arrive?
Check the correct email account, including your spam or junk folder.
If the message still does not arrive, restart the recovery process or contact Universal Credit.
Can I reset my password if I no longer have access to my email?
Normal online recovery may not work without access to the required email.
Contact Universal Credit if you cannot regain access yourself.
What if my password reset link no longer works?
Start the password recovery process again and follow the latest instructions.
Do not rely on an old recovery link that the service no longer accepts.
What if I forgot my password and User ID?
Recover your User ID separately, then return to the password recovery process.
Use our Forgot Universal Credit User ID guide for help.
Can I reset my Universal Credit password on my phone?
Yes. You can use a phone, tablet or computer to access the online service.
The same recovery process applies.
Should I give my Universal Credit password to someone helping me?
No. Keep your password private.
Use the proper arrangements for authorised help instead of sharing your login details.
What if someone has accessed my account?
Change your password promptly and contact Universal Credit.
Also secure the email account connected to your claim.