The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has extended its free support to help people through the Universal Credit claim process.
The extension to the scheme, which is now in its fifth year, has been allowed via a £22 million investment and will be delivered by Citizens Advice. People can use the 'Help to Claim' scheme for another year by receiving guidance from Citizens Advice until they receive their first payment.
Support can be accessed either online or by telephone. Otherwise, you can contact your local Jobcentre where staff should be able to help identify the proper support to meet a claimant's needs.
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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."
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: "As the cost of living continues to put household finances under pressure, our top priority is supporting the many people coming to us for help. We’re glad to continue this important support.
"We’ve seen first-hand the difference our advisers make in helping people access Universal Credit. We’ll continue to use our frontline insights and unique data to suggest enhancements to the benefits system, further helping the people we support.
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