Help is at hand for struggling families
Express readers have been encouraged to reach out for help with Universal Credit issues.
Almost 6,000 people across Renfrewshire are now receiving UC.
Statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed 5,868 people are claiming the benefit.
New benefit claimants now receive one Universal Credit (UC) payment instead of six separate benefits including housing benefit, jobseeker’s allowance, child tax credit, working tax credit and income support.
The controversial benefits system was rolled out across Renfrewshire last year.
Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) has helped more than 500 people with their claims since the start of the year.
Kay Taylor, manager of the Renfrewshire branch, said the high rates of deprivation in the area are highlighted by the number of people claiming UC.
She said: “Renfrewshire is a high area of deprivation and the figures show that.
“But we are here to help people who need it.”
Around 20 per cent of those people had difficulty making their application.
We also revealed issues faced by Universal Credit applicants who don’t have access to a mobile phone, meaning they are often left without cash as their applications are delayed.
Around five per cent of people they assist can’t find out how their application is progressing because they don’t have a mobile.
This prompted the launch of the Help to Claim project in April, with staff helping applicants negotiate the one-payment system.
Kay and her team of dedicated trained advisors are in place to help the most vulnerable of the almost 6,000 claimants throughout the district.
She added:“People who are struggling should to come to us as soon as possible.
“There is nothing we haven’t heard before and we are here to help.”
You can contact the team by phoning 0141 889 2121or visit: www. renfrewshirecab.org.uk