Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to support people making universal credit applications who do not have access to a computer.

Universal Credit is a digital service. The Universal Credit Full Service Claimant Survey (published on 8 June 2018) shows that 98% of claimants made their claim online, with 96% saying they had regular access to the internet.

If a claimant needs more intensive or specific support to make their claim, face-to-face and other help is available through our current Universal Support Assisted Digital Service offer, which provides bespoke help, support and skills for claimants to make and maintain their digital account online. Universal Credit has been designed with accessibility in mind and we are committed to providing personalised support for all claimants.

All jobcentres across the country have Wi-Fi and computers available for claimants to access the internet. For those that are still unable to access or use digital services, or are not able to travel, assistance to make and maintain their claim is available via the Freephone Universal Credit helpline. In exceptional circumstances, a home visit can be arranged to support a claimant in making and maintaining their claim.