Universal Credit Full Service (UCFS) rolls out on 5 September and it will apply to new claimants and those who have a change of circumstances that would mean they would usually make a new claim to one of the six benefits UCFS replaces. (JSA, ESA, IS, WTC, CTC and housing benefit).
All UC claims must be made on line and The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have contracted with the Torbay Council to deliver Assisted Digital Support for customers needing help with making a claim on line. This will be delivered in Brixham, Paignton and Torquay Libraries.
In addition DWP have contracted with the local authority to deliver Personal Budgeting Support for customers needing help to manage UCFS monthly payments. This will be delivered via Torbay Citizens Advice Bureau - contact number 01803 297803 .
For the most vulnerable customers who cannot make a claim on line and have no other support they can ring the service centre, on 0800 328 9344, who can help them on line, make the claim for them or refer to DWP Visiting for a home visit.
DWP have worked with many external support agencies (see below) and many can support customers with their UC claim. DWP also keeps a record of available services in Torbay which Jobcentre staff can access to sign-post customers appropriately.
DWP have worked extensively with Torbay Council in preparation for UC. This includes customer communications, Staff training, Adult Services, Children’s Services and Education. DWP have delivered presentations and briefings to Torbay Councillors, the Devon Landlords' Association, CAB’s and Registered Social Landlords.
DWP have engaged widely throughout Torbay delivering support and training to local support services such as:
Citizens Advice Bureau - 01803 297803
Food banks - Torquay Salvation Army 01803 294 197
Private Landlords - 01803 314750
Social Landlords - 01803 201201
NHS - 01803 614567
Shekinah - 01803 203895
Humanity Torbay - 01803 211297
Carers Services - 01803 666620
The Edge - 01803 851414
Torbay Well Being Forum - 01803 397444
Children’s Centres - 01803 329666
Drug and Alcohol Services - 01803 291129
Police - 01392 420320
Probation Services - 01803 213535
Kevin Foster will have a specialist UC Caseworker in the Constituency Office from 5 September who can help advise, signpost and liaise directly with the DWP should constituents have problems in making a UC claim or with an ongoing UC claim.
PLEASE CONTACT KEVIN's OFFICE ON 01803 214989 OR FOR URGENT ENQUIRIES CALL IN TO THE OFFICE (open to the public between 10am and 1pm every week day) - WE CANNOT DEAL WITH ENQUIRIES VIA TWITTER OR FACEBOOK.