To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of support available to disabled people while making a claim for Universal Credit in the natural migration process.
Answered on
8 January 2019
We are continuously reviewing and improving the service for vulnerable people who claim UC to ensure that it is supportive and responsive to their needs. Where claimants are unable to make or manage their claim on-line, telephone and face to face support to support these claimants. In exceptional circumstances, home visits can be arranged for those claimants whose disability prevents them from attending their local Jobcentre or accessing telephone and online services.
For those claimants requiring help, assistance is available through Assisted Digital Support, part of our Universal Support offer. This provides help, support and skills claimants need to make and maintain their digital account online.
Universal Support also includes a Personal Budgeting Support component, which is delivered via face to face by Local Authorities. Additionally, online support is available via Money Manager, a Money Advice Service tool.
We have also increased the numbers of Disability Employment Advisers who now provide additional support to the work coaches so they can better personalise support as we continuously improve the offer available.