Over a third struggling with benefits system

A “significant” number of people are struggling to navigate the UK government’s flagship Universal Credit benefits system, according to a new study.

Research by Citizens Advice found that more than a third of those helped by the charity found it difficult to provide evidence on issues such as health, housing and childcare to complete their claim.

It was also revealed that people who received their first full payment late stood a higher chance of falling into debt.

Citizens Advice said people must wait five weeks before receiving their first Universal Credit payment, so their finances were often already stretched.

The charity called on the government to simplify the claims process, saying improvements must be urgently put in place as roll-out of the benefit continues to increase.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “While Universal Credit is working for the majority of people, our evidence shows a significant minority are struggling to navigate the system.

“With people already having to wait five weeks as a matter of course for their first payment, any further delays risk jeopardising people’s financial security.

“More needs to be done. Top of the government’s list should be simplifying the process.”