Citizens Advice has launched a new service called ‘Help to Claim’, to support people with their Universal Credit claims.
We can help people in all sorts of ways including supporting them to complete their online application form, providing evidence (such as childcare costs) and more.
Help will be tailored to each individual and you can get support in several different ways: in person, over the phone (0800 144 8 444) or via webchat. We will be able to support people at our centres and community locations in West Sussex, as well as at the Jobcentres in Haywards Heath, Horsham, Worthing and Crawley.
For full information, times and locations, please click here.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a new benefit that combines six benefits into one, including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Working Tax Credits. It is now fully rolled out across the UK. When fully implemented, around 7 million people in England and Wales will be receiving Universal Credit.
A recent survey by Citizens Advice found more than a third of people the charity has helped have struggled to provide the evidence needed to complete their Universal Credit claim. Locally we have helped more than 2,000 people to date with Universal Credit problems, with Citizens Advice nationally supporting more than 230,000 people so far.
Julie Martin, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice in West Sussex (North, South, East) said:
“We have now launched a new service specifically for those who need help applying for Universal Credit.
“We offer free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to people in the community every day and have developed an expertise in dealing with Universal Credit. We’ve seen first-hand what can happen when people struggle to make a claim and their payments are delayed.
“We encourage anyone who needs help with their application to get in touch with us either in-person, over the phone or over webchat.”
Please click here for more information, locations and times.
