Citizens Advice launches a new service

Help to Claim under way

CITIZENS advice has launched a new service to help people to claim Universal Credit across the borough.

Citizens Advice Leicestershire has launched a new service called “Help to Claim” for those who need help to apply for Universal Credit in.

Residents can now get support to make their initial Universal Credit application, all the way through to receiving their first full payment.

The help offered is tailored to the individual and may include assistance with the online application form or help with providing evidence, such as childcare costs.

Clients can also make a face-to-face appointment for support at their local Jobcentre Plus referral from organisation.

Universal Credit is a new benefit that combines six benefits in one, including Jobseekers Allowance and Working Tax Credits. When fully implemented, around seven million people in England and Wales will be receiving Universal Credit.

A recent survey by the Citizens Advice national organisation found more than a third of the people have struggled to provide the evidence needed to complete their Universal Credit claim.

Richard Evans, chief executive of Citizens Advice Leicestershire, said: “We’re delighted that Help to Claim is available specifically for those who or get a another need help applying Universal Credit.

“We offer free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to people in the community everyday 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 inperson, over the phone or online.”

Help to Claim can be contacted over the phone (freephone 0800 144 8 444) and online via webchat or through our advice pages (www.citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim). for