realistically, how long to get through to universal credit helpline?

[Nimbostratus100]

I think I have been on hold for around 8 hours in the last week - I normally ring when I am free to hold for around 2 hours...

Am I being unrealistic? Do I need to plan to hold longer than that? How do you manage with phones running out of charge, etc?

Is there actually anyone there at all, or does the line simply consist of a machine telling you to hold forever?

2 hours 20 minutes so far today....

Oh, bad luck! I'd have said about 1hr 45 mins is my general average, longest was 2hr 30 mins. I'd not realised I was doing so well!

Had to phone them, Tax Credits and ESA in one day, not long ago. It took longer than the full school day to speak to them all (and I was only actually talking for about 10 minutes a time!) 😭. Good luck!

Have you tried leaving a note on your journal? I've always found it much quicker

in future, yes, that sounds like a good idea- but I dont have one yet!

I've had to give up, because I have a hospital phone consultation soon and need to recharge my phone for that

Have you tried just after the lines open or just before they close ,I don't get universal credit,but still get tax credits and my son gets DLA ,and I have found it's easier to.get through first thing or last thing ?