It’s no secret that Universal Credit has had its problems since being introduced as a replacement of six “legacy” benefits, including Jobseekers Allowance and Working Tax Credits.
The government have faced several legal challenges in the High Court over the policy - including one that argues universal credit has a "disproportionately adverse effect" on disabled claimants.
But it’s not just the benefit itself which has come under fire - but the complexity of the application process.
According to the charity Citizens Advice more than a third of people supported by the charity were left struggling to provide the evidence needed to complete their claim.
And as a result, a quarter of claimants fell into debt because they haven’t received their first full payment on time.
More than 50,000 working people in Bristol are living in poverty
The issue is that many claimants must wait at least five weeks for their first payment. And this is after applying online - which is the only way of doing it - and making sure you have all the correct evidence for health conditions and housing, to support your claim.
Then there’s an interview at the Job Centre - and this is all before the payment gets okayed and the five week wait begins.
Whistleblowers have spoken out to the media - including the Guardian - about the glitches and errors in the system, which have resulted in benefits being delayed for weeks, or wrongly slashed.
As a result Citizens Advice has launched a new service to support those who are struggling to apply for Universal Credit.
Its new “Help to Claim” initiative will deliver tailored help available face-to-face, over the phone and online through webchat and advice content.
Have you faced hardship because of Universal Credit? If so contact Bristol Live at bristolpostnews@localworld.co.uk
This may include assistance with the online application form or help with providing evidence such as childcare costs.
The service is funded by £39million from the Department of Work and Pensions.
Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “We’ve seen first-hand what can happen when people struggle to make a claim and their payments are delayed.
“Delivering this new service will give us even greater insight into people’s experiences. We’ll use that knowledge to continue to call for improvements so the Universal Credit system works for the people we help.”
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In Bristol people are invited to drop in to the Citizens Advice office in Fairfax Street from 9.30am to 11.30a on Thursdays.
There are two computers available for people to use and staff on hand to provide support. Or if you have your own computer at home call 0800 144 8444.
