Thousands more people struggling with Universal Credit applications will get the help they need, after Citizens Advice secured continued funding from the government to keep its lifeline 'Help to Claim' service running. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the prospect of applying for Universal Credit, you're not alone – and crucially, you don't have to tackle it by yourself.
The 'Help to Claim' service is there to walk you through every step of the process, from filling out the online application to gathering the paperwork you need and understanding what's expected of you. You can get support in whatever way works best – through their website, by calling their free national helpline, or by visiting your local Citizens Advice centre for face-to-face help.
Universal Credit combines six different benefits into one monthly payment, replacing Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, and Working Tax Credit. While this was meant to make things simpler, the reality is that many people still find the digital-heavy system confusing to navigate, especially when dealing with complex personal circumstances.
This funding boost shows the government recognises just how vital this support is for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Whether you're not confident with computers, have complicated circumstances to explain, or English isn't your first language, the service is designed to level the playing field and make sure everyone can access the help they're entitled to.
With household budgets still stretched thin across the country, getting your Universal Credit application right first time has never been more important. The 'Help to Claim' service prevents the kind of delays and mistakes that could leave you waiting weeks longer than necessary for money you desperately need to cover rent, bills, and food.