An extra £22 million is being invested to extend free and impartial support for people making a Universal Credit claim.
The ‘Help to Claim’ support will continue to be delivered independently for another year by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland, following a further £22 million investment by the department. Citizens Advice have provided the Help to Claim support since its inception in 2019.
This additional investment will ensure that support is available to help people make a new Universal Credit claim and manage their claim until they receive their first payment.
People will be able to access the support and advice online or by telephone. For those who are unable to access support via these channels, individuals will be able to contact their local Jobcentre, where staff will help to identify the right support to meet their needs.
DWP remains committed to providing the best possible support for all claimants, including the most vulnerable in society, in both making and maintaining their Universal Credit claim.
Over three quarters of a million people have already received support though Help to Claim.
Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, said:
Help to Claim continues to assist thousands of people every year with over 800,000 people already receiving support since its introduction. This additional investment will allow Citizens Advice to continue to provide this vital support following its extension for a further year.
This high quality and independent support comes in addition to the support already provided through our network of Jobcentres, with our staff standing ready to assist those in need of support.