Trending The Money Advice Service, an independent service set up by government, has highlighted why this means it is important to apply for the benefit as soon as the person thinks they are entitled to do so. "It’s really important you apply for Universal Credit as soon as you’re entitled, even if you think you’re not eligible," the website states. "If you find a new job, or your circumstances change before your application is complete, you will be able to cancel it. "But at least you will not have to start your application from scratch and will not have to wait for your first payment.