Citizens Advice Sherwood and Newark is sharing tips on how people can best prepare for making a Universal Credit application, so they can be paid on time. This follows the release of a new report from national Citizens Advice which finds a third of people who were helped by the charity, struggle to provide the evidence needed to finish off their Universal Credit application.
Universal Credit is a new benefit which combines six benefits into one, including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Working Tax Credits, that is currently being rolled out across the UK.
For many, the benefit is working well but a significant number are having difficulties with it. Citizens Advice Sherwood and Newark have helped a number of clients with a Universal Credit related problem.
Citizens Advice Sherwood and Newark has the following advice for anyone making a claim for Universal Credit:
Provide evidence as soon as possible to make sure you’re paid in full and on time. If you need to apply for extra costs, like housing, you will need to show additional paperwork.
Make sure you check you have completed all the stages of the claim, After making an initial online claim, you need to book a Jobcentre appointment. In total there are 10 stages which need to be completed, some of which are time sensitive. If you miss a deadline, you might have to start the process again.
If you get stuck, ask for help. If you’re struggling to fill in the online application form or have problems providing the right paperwork, ask for help as soon as possible so your payment isn’t delayed.
National Citizens Advice asked people the Citizens Advice service helped with Universal Credit how hard they found it to provide proof for extra costs, like housing and childcare.
Citizens Advice Sherwood & Newark
5 Forest Court, New Ollerton NG22 9PL
Monday and Wednesday:
9.30am to 2.30pm
Adviceline: 0844 411 1444
(Mon to Fri 10.00am to 4.00pm)
www.adviceguide.org.uk