Staff supporting West Dunbartonshire residents with Universal Credit (UC) say the fear of the controversial system is putting people off submitting their claims.
Joe McCormack, chief executive officer from Dumbarton Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), says the negative reports of the benefits system are leaving people too scared to even apply.
He is now urging people to seek advice from the staff at Dumbarton CAB to help residents claim what they are entitled to.
Joe told the Lennox Herald: “What we are finding now is that people are so intimidated by the system that they are just not completing their applications.
“We are trying to get the message out there that Universal Credit is a flawed system but people are entitled to claim it and we are here to help.
“We work closely with the council and the job centre to try and make sure we are helping in the best way possible.
“We want to try to make sure the claims process is as easy as possible and to make sure that people don’t suffer hardship.
“It’s clear that many people remain concerned about the possible impact Universal Credit may have on their financial situation.
“People who may be entitled to claim Universal Credit shouldn’t be put off by all the negative publicity – they should get advice if they’re worried.”
We previously reported how hundreds of people had attended at Dumbarton CAB for advice on the new benefits system since it was rolled out on November 28.
Designated staff members have been allocated to help those with the effects of Universal Credit.
A £17,134 cash sum was given to West Dunbartonshire Citizen’s Advice from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help manage the effects of the benefits system. CAB is using the funds to employ support officers which will be present across branches in Alexandria, Dumbarton and Clydebank.
They are working directly with residents to file applications and help ensure they are given what they are entitled to claim.
