North Tyneside Citizens Advice helps people struggling to apply for Universal Credit during lockdown

North Tyneside Citizens Advice is continuing to provide its Help to Claim service for those who need to apply for Universal Credit during the lockdown. 

People in North Tyneside will be able to get support from the charity in the early stages of their Universal Credit claim, from the application through to the first payment. Advisers are delivering confidential support from their own homes via the phone and through webchat. 

People can access support by calling 0800 144 8 444 and online through webchat and advice on its website https://www.ntcab.org.uk/get-advice/help-to-claim-universal-credit/. This may include assistance with the online application form or help with providing evidence for a claim.  

Recent research from Citizens Advice shows one fifth (20%) of UK adults say they have applied or expect to apply for benefits as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. 

The charity has already helped 5,248 people locally with Universal Credit since the full service rollout in 2018. Nationally, over a quarter of a million people have been supported through the Help to Claim service. 

Mark Almond, Chief Officer of North Tyneside Citizens Advice, said: 

“We know many households in North Tyneside are struggling to make ends meet as a result of the current crisis. People are having to turn to the welfare system who’ve never used it before. It’s more important than ever that they are supported, so we’ve rapidly changed our ways of working to deliver our Help to Claim service remotely.  

“We offer free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to people from our community every day. We’ve seen first-hand what can happen when people struggle to make a claim for Universal Credit, and we know how vital our service is to them. 

“Anyone who needs help with their application, please get in touch with us either over the phone or online over webchat. You don’t have to face this alone.”  

https://www.ntcab.org.uk/get-advice/help-to-claim-universal-credit/