Universal Credit

(asked on 6th October 2017) - View Source

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what arrangements are in place to enable people applying for universal credit who have no fixed address and no access to computers to receive notifications of their appointments with work coaches.


Answered by
Damian Hinds Portrait
Damian Hinds
Minister of State (Education)
This question was answered on 17th October 2017

The main route to access Universal Credit is through digital channels. We actively encourage people to use the service in a digital manner in every instance but we understand there are circumstances in which this may not be possible. All jobcentres across the country have free Wi-Fi and there are more than 8,000 computers available to support customers who need help with making their claim digitally and applying for jobs online.

This provides access to digital channels in every Jobcentre for claimants to use when they do not have access at home. A telephone helpline and face to face support are also available for claimants to make and manage a Universal Credit claim. Universal Support (US) is advice, assistance or support from Jobcentre Plus or local partners to help Universal Credit claimants with managing their claim or award of Universal Credit which includes accessing and using online services.

The work coach will inform the claimant of their next appointment and contact details, in case of enquiry. Where needed the work coach will provide the claimant with a written note to remind them of the date of their next appointment, especially if the claimant has difficulty using or accessing online services.

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