Help
to Claim support – Universal Credit
Following
a recent grant competition, DWP are pleased to
advise that Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland will continue to
deliver “Help to Claim”
support independently across England, Scotland, and Wales for two years from
April 2024.
This
means that free confidential and impartial support will continue to be
available to help people make a new Universal Credit claim, including those
invited to move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit, and manage their
claim, up to receiving their first correct payment. That additional support beyond the initial claim gateway
is vital for clients who need help with rent verification, get a bank account,
access Visiting Officer support and other more complex issues.
The support will continue to be provided
through telephony and digital channels. For those individuals who are unable to
access support via these channels, they will be able to go to their local
jobcentre, where jobcentre staff will identify the right support to meet their
needs. This support is already in place and available to those individuals who
choose to seek advice from the Department directly in making a claim to
Universal Credit.
Further information on Help to Claim and when
to signpost or refer can be found on the Interneton:
Contact
us about applying for Universal Credit - Citizens Advice & New
'Help to Claim' service provides extra Universal Credit support - GOV.UK
(www.gov.uk)
This is an excellent support offer
and It would be very ideal if W&F can highlight the service via council
support staff such as customer service teams, SEND teams, social workers etc.
Always good to be able to sign post clients to comprehensive support when
additional need is understood.