Universal Credit, Universal Help. (360G-SCVO-a0g0N00001gBGWgQAO)

We are a full year into being a Universal Credit full service area. This hasn't made the process any easier for those affected, the support required has not diminished, in fact, as welfare reform continues to roll out, further support and assistance is required. We now have a better understanding of the application process, what is expected of a client during the process and methods of support going through the process. Over the last year we have been able to put in place a model which is flexible to the ever changing Universal Credit and welfare reform environment. Universal Credit does not stand in insolation, we hope to make sure that clients are fully aware of what Universal Credit is, what the impact it may have on any other benefits, including housing costs and changes in ill health benefits that UC can impact on. We will offer a supportive and encouraging role, whilst still providing the essential information and advice that individuals require. We anticipate the demand to continue to rise and more people find themselves facing UC for the first time. We expect the figures to be comparable with last years figures where we will provide this specialist dedicated service to around c180 individuals. The individuals we aim to help make up a diverse group, those that are in work, out of work and seeking work, those that are digitally excluded, those that have ill-health/disability, those who are finding themselves in the system for the first time. All of the above may end up with gaps in their payments, rent arrears accruing, debts accumulating and well-being being compromised. As Universal Credit promotes responsibility on to the person making the claim, we want to replicate the advice by structuring our advice in the same manner. We aim to provide a face to face service where a client can come and get full information on Universal Credit, for example: what it is, how it is paid, what expectations will be placed on them, what information they require to make the claim, how to pay their rent in a practical sense, Scottish Choices, advance payments and budgeting advice. We will also refer them for further support to the Job Centre for practical digital support. This will enhance and compliment our holistic service. We will encourage basic computer training for those who don't have the skills or confidence in using one and we will advise on where they can get further advice on this. We already know from data gathered that clients find the first 5 weeks especially hard and we will over advice ad support during this period. We will provide our clients with full support on applying for any statutory or charitable assistance during this time. Some changes have been made but nit enough to mitigate the hardship that can be endured during this time, Our aim is to be able to assist our clients from not falling into crisis. The second strand of our project will see us provide training sessions to 100 front line workers within our local community. We have identified that there is a lack of information on the technicalities of Universal Credit and clear information on legislation and what the means for the person claiming the benefit. We will continue to use our partnerships in ready in place, the Financial Inclusion Network an we have already provided sessions to local councillors and aim to continue this. Our Universal Credit Champion has worked tirelessly over the last 11 months to build up a substantial amount of knowledge on Universal Credit and has been able to apply that to produce a structured informative presentation. The presentation can be adapted to suit the audience and due to the ever changing practice of how Universal Credit is applied, the presentation can be adjusted to fit easily. Out volunteers, once again will play an essential role in the project, our Universal Credit champion will support them in identifying possible beneficiaries of the project and they will provide the holistic service, this contribution will significantly enhance the role of the Universal Credit Champion and the project in return.