Official numbers table
| Benefit / query | Telephone | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit helpline | 0800 328 5644 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| PIP enquiries (existing claims) | 0800 121 4433 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm |
| PIP new claims | 0800 917 2222 | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
| Pension Service (State Pension) | 0800 731 0469 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm (not public holidays) |
| Jobcentre Plus (existing ESA/JSA claims) | 0800 169 0310 | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
| Jobcentre Plus new claims (ESA/JSA) | 0800 055 6688 | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
Child Benefit (HMRC, not DWP)
Child Benefit is paid by HMRC, not DWP. GOV.UK advises checking your payment date and contacting your bank before calling the Child Benefit Office — use the official Child Benefit contact finder for the current number, as HMRC lines use 0300 numbers that change less often but have different hours.
Tips to beat the queue
- Call mid-week, mid-morning: Monday mornings and the days after a bank holiday are the busiest.
- Use Relay UK / BSL relay if you cannot hear or speak on the phone — every line above publishes a 18001 Relay prefix and a BSL video relay option.
- Welsh-language lines exist for UC and the Pension Service — see the linked GOV.UK pages.
- Northern Ireland and abroad use different centres (nidirect / International Pension Centre) — don't queue on the England & Wales line.
Sources & accuracy: numbers and hours copied Sep 2026 from Contact Universal Credit, Disability Service Centre, PIP: how to claim and Contact the Pension Service. Re-check GOV.UK before calling. We are independent and not affiliated with DWP or HMRC.