20% of universal claimant (UC) claimants never receive a payment because they have failed to follow the complex rules, the Guardian has revealed. One MP with specialist knowledge of the system said that he had failed to make a claim for UC himself, because of the complexity of the system.
According to figures released by the DWP under the Freedom of Information Act large numbers of claimants are missing out because they didn’t follow the correct process for claiming.
Around 10% failed to book an interview within one week of making their claim. To do so, claimants need first to be aware of the strict time limit for booking an interview and then be able to get through to a helpline to arrange an appointment.
Another 6% had their claim ended because they did not sign a claimant commitment, agreeing what they have to do in order to receive UC.
Another 4% of claims were closed because they did not attend an interview at a jobcentre.
Frank Field, who chairs the work and pensions committee told the Guardian that the complexity of the system was a “mega issue” and that “I have tried to enrol myself [for universal credit] and failed, I wonder if the ministerial team have tried.”
You can read the full story in the Guardian.
