Universal credit problems

I UNDERSTAND that Universal Credit was fully launched in Torbay earlier this month. What problems have you found with the application process for Universal Credit?

UNIVERSAL Credit is a new benefit which combines six benefits into one, including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Working Tax Credits. It is currently being rolled out across the UK, and the full service was introduced in Torbay on September 5, 2018.

In July, national Citizens Advice launched a new report flagging problems with the application process for Universal Credit, based on findings in areas where the full Universal Credit benefit has already been rolled out.

The report finds that although the benefit is working well for many, a significant number have problems with the application process. A third of people who’ve been helped by the Citizens Advice service say they struggle to provide the evidence needed to finish off their Universal Credit application.

Citizens Advice asked people the service had helped with Universal Credit how hard they found it to provide proof for extra costs, like housing and childcare. Of those who were surveyed:

• 48% found it difficult to provide evidence for health conditions

• 40% found it difficult to provide evidence for housing

• 35% found it difficult to provide evidence for childcare

The survey also found that people receiving their first full payment late stood a higher chance of getting into greater debt, or falling into it. When people didn’t receive their first Universal Credit payment on time, their chances of being in debt increased by a quarter (23%). They were also 60% more likely to borrow money from a lender to help tide them over.

The research shows that providing evidence for extra costs is a common stumbling block when making an application, and can put the brakes on people being paid on time. The report recommends that the government simplifies the claims process, makes it easier to provide evidence for extras costs, and makes sure adequate support is on offer to people making a claim.

For further advice about claiming Universal Credit, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk

CONTACT CITIZENS ADVICE TORBAY:

Click: www.citizensadvicetorbay.org.uk

Phone: 0300 3309026

Drop-in: 29 Palace Avenue, Paignton, TQ3 3EQ. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm