How long for UC first claims to be processed?! Help!

[Bringringbring12]

Made redundant due to corona.

Applied for UC. I can’t get through to book the appointment (I know not required to attend but you still are required to call and book). It’s engaged constantly.

I understand the process has been shortened given the situation. Any idea how long? Saying I’ll find out whether eligible and how much on 24th April but that would be usual the timeframe rather than amended.

Huge thanks for any assistance

Normally 5 weeks.

But might be longer right now.

Apparent meant to be quicker

5 weeks but you can get an advanced payment/loan.

The phone lines for appointments are completely swamped at present although some people are getting through after a few hours of waiting. You can try a number of things. if you have manged to set up your Uc account you can try leaving a message on your journal to say you need to do an ID appointment and see if someone rings you back - some people are getting calls back. They have a lot of staff off sick or home isolating and hundreds of thousands of new claims to process. Once Id check is done you may be able to apply for an advance payment to tide you over. I can't imagine the five week wait will be shortened because Uc is calculated on earnings in the first month and then payment is seven days later so they cannot calculate that early.

Thank you - really helpful