You cannot reorder the activities on your UC activity list yourself — the order is set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) based on when you added each activity and what type it is.

Your activity list is the record of work-related activities you have agreed to do as part of your Universal Credit claim. The DWP system arranges these automatically: new activities appear at the top, and the order reflects the system's internal logic rather than your preferences. You cannot drag items around, change their sequence in your online journal, or request a manual reordering.

What you can do is remove activities you no longer need to do and add new ones in their place. This gives you indirect control — by deleting an old activity and creating a new one, the new activity will appear higher on the list. However, the DWP may also rearrange activities during your regular reviews or when your circumstances change.

Key Takeaways

  • The DWP orders your activity list automatically; you cannot manually rearrange it yourself.
  • New activities you add will appear higher on the list than older ones, but the exact order depends on the DWP system.
  • You can remove activities that are no longer relevant and add new ones to change what appears on your list.
  • Your activity list is reviewed and may be reordered during your regular UC reviews or when your situation changes.
  • If you believe an activity is listed incorrectly or should not be there, contact your work coach to discuss changes.

Why the DWP controls the order

The activity list is not a to-do list you manage — it is a record maintained by the DWP to track what you have committed to doing. The system prioritises activities by type and date to make sure your work coach can see the most relevant ones quickly. For example, job search activities may be grouped together, and recent additions appear before older ones.

This automatic ordering also protects you: it prevents you from hiding activities lower down the list or making them seem less important than they are. The DWP needs a consistent, transparent record of what you have agreed to do, and that record cannot change based on your preference.

How to change what appears on your activity list

If you want different activities to show on your list, you have two options: remove activities that are no longer necessary, or add new ones that better reflect your current situation.

To remove an activity, log into your UC account online, go to your activity list, and select the activity you want to delete. You will usually see an option to mark it as complete or remove it. Once removed, it will no longer appear on your active list, though the DWP keeps a record that it existed. You may need to discuss the removal with your work coach, especially if it was a requirement they set for you.

To add a new activity, speak to your work coach during your regular meetings or contact them between appointments. Tell them what you plan to do — for example, a course you are starting, a volunteering role, or a specific job search method. They will add it to your list, and it will appear in your account. New activities typically show at the top of your list.

What happens during your regular review

Every three months, or when your circumstances change, the DWP reviews your activity list as part of your UC claim. During this review, your work coach may remove activities that are no longer relevant, add new ones based on your situation, or reorganise what is there. You will be told about these changes, usually in a message through your UC account or during a conversation with your work coach.

If you disagree with changes made during a review, you can ask your work coach to explain why and discuss alternatives. If you believe the changes are unfair or do not reflect what you have actually agreed to, you can raise a concern with the DWP.

When to contact your work coach about your activity list

Speak to your work coach if an activity on your list is no longer accurate, if you have completed something that is still showing, or if you want to add a new activity. You can contact them through your UC account, by phone, or during a scheduled appointment.

Be specific about what you want to change and why. For example: "I finished the online course in March and would like it removed" or "I have started volunteering at the community centre and want to add that to my list." Your work coach can make these changes when ready or within a few days, depending on the DWP's system.

What you cannot change about your activity list

You cannot change the order of activities yourself, hide activities, or mark them as less important. You also cannot add activities that are not genuine — the DWP expects your activity list to reflect real things you are doing or have committed to doing. Adding false activities could affect your UC payments or lead to a sanction.

If your work coach has set a specific activity as a requirement — for example, attending a job club every week — you cannot remove it without their agreement. Removing a required activity without permission could result in a sanction on your UC claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing an old activity from my list affect my UC payments?

No. Removing an activity that is no longer relevant will not change your UC payment. However, if it was a requirement set by your work coach, you should discuss the removal with them first. Removing a required activity without agreement could lead to a sanction.

Can I ask my work coach to put activities in a specific order?

No. The DWP system orders activities automatically, and your work coach cannot manually rearrange them. However, you can ask them to remove old activities and add new ones, which will change what appears on your list.

What if my activity list shows something I did not agree to?

Contact your work coach when ready and explain what is wrong. They can remove it or correct the details. Keep a record of what you agreed to and when, so you can refer back to it if there is a disagreement.

Does my activity list affect how much UC I receive?

Your activity list itself does not determine your payment amount. However, failing to do activities you have agreed to can result in a sanction, which reduces your payment. This is why it is important to keep your list accurate and up to date.