News from: Citizens Advice Reading
Citizens Advice Reading can support your clients to claim Universal Credit. We offer a free service that takes your client from initial application to first correct payment.
If your client is thinking of making their first claim for Universal Credit whether they are currently on no benefits or receiving legacy benefits we can help.
We can:
-Talk them through potential entitlements
-Guide them through an online application
-Help them with phone claims if they’re not comfortable with the internet
-Help them make sure they receive all the relevant elements of Universal Credit as well as the potential passported benefits
-Make sure they know about alternative payment arrangements
-Also prepare them for their work coach appointments
-Discuss income maximisation with them
The benefits system is complicated and we can help people to avoid the potential pitfalls of a misplaced or inaccurate Universal Credit claim. Always direct them to us if they:
-Are on legacy benefits and they have a change of circumstances
-Have just finished or are about to leave an employment
-Have fallen ill or developed a long-term health condition that affects their ability to work
We will make sure that they are comfortable that Universal Credit, new style Jobseeker Allowance or new style Employment Support Allowance is the best thing for them before starting an application.
If you would like to signpost your clients to us, they can call us on 0800 144 8444. Further information can be found on the website at https://rcab.org.uk/advice.
This service can’t help with benefits outside the Universal Credit system or if they are already receiving UC and are struggling to manage their money. For those other benefit queries please signpost your clients to Adviceline on 0808 278 7819.