You apply for Universal Credit online on the GOV.UK Universal Credit webpage where you can also find full details of the claim process and help available.
Please get benefits advice before making a claim if you are currently getting a legacy benefit (Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and in most cases Housing Benefit) as a claim for Universal Credit will end your claim for the legacy benefit you are receiving.
Asking to have the Carer Element included in Universal Credit can affect the benefits of the person you care for. If they receive something called a Severe Disability Premium in their benefits they will lose this if someone gets the Universal Carer Element for looking after them. Because of this it is important to seek benefits advice before asking for this to be included in your Universal Credit.