The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is increasing its efforts to provide home visits as part of the transition to Universal Credit. This initiative aims to support vulnerable claimants, particularly those receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), who may struggle to apply for the new benefit on their own. With the migration process underway, the government is working to ensure that individuals who require extra help receive enhanced support, including face-to-face assistance.
Why Is the DWP Increasing Home Visits?
The transition to Universal Credit requires claimants of six legacy benefits to submit a new application. For those on ESA, this process can be more challenging due to disabilities, health conditions, or other vulnerabilities. To prevent eligible individuals from losing their benefits, the DWP is doubling home visits to provide one-on-one assistance.
Key Points About the Universal Credit Transition:
- Claimants receive a migration notice, inviting them to apply for Universal Credit.
- They have three months to submit their application before their payments stop.
- For ESA claimants, the DWP will make extra attempts to contact them before benefits are terminated.
- Those who do not apply by week 12 will receive enhanced support, including home visits.
How Many People Are Receiving Enhanced Support?
So far, around 69,000 people have received enhanced support, which includes extra assistance such as home visits. The DWP is making a significant effort to increase the number of home visits, ensuring vulnerable claimants receive the necessary help.
DWP Doubles Home Visits to 30,000 Per Month
Neil Couling, the senior responsible officer for Universal Credit, informed a Parliamentary committee that:
- The DWP has doubled home visits from 15,000 to 30,000 per month.
- The number of officers conducting these visits has increased from 350 to 700.
- The government is prioritizing enhanced support for ESA claimants, as they are often more vulnerable than other benefit recipients.
He emphasized:
“We absolutely must do everything we can to ensure that claimants on ESA, who are typically more vulnerable, make their way safely onto Universal Credit.”
How Do DWP Home Visits Work?
According to government guidance, the DWP Visiting Team will:
- Call claimants to book an appointment and explain what to expect.
- Send a confirmation letter to verify the booking.
- If the visit is scheduled on short notice, it may take place before the letter arrives.
New Ways to Support Claimants
Social Security and Disabilities Minister Sir Stephen Timms told the committee that the DWP is experimenting with new ways to deploy visiting officers. Instead of only conducting home visits, they may also be sent to other locations where claimants can receive assistance.
Support from Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offers a Help to Claim service for those applying for Universal Credit. This service provides support with:
- Completing the application form.
- Ensuring claimants receive their first payment correctly.
- Addressing general concerns about the process.
The DWP spends around £20 million a year on the Help to Claim service, which supports about 5% of new claimants.
However, MPs have raised concerns about how Citizens Advice could offer more tailored support rather than just providing general guidance available at job centres.
The DWP’s decision to increase home visits and enhance support for ESA claimants marks a major effort to ensure that vulnerable individuals do not lose access to financial aid during the transition to Universal Credit.
With 30,000 home visits per month and new ways to assist claimants, the government aims to make the migration process smoother and fairer. Additionally, Citizens Advice’s Help to Claim service continues to play a crucial role in supporting applicants through this transition.
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FAQ’s
Why is the DWP increasing home visits?
The DWP is increasing home visits to support vulnerable ESA claimants transitioning to Universal Credit, ensuring they receive the help needed to apply.
How many people have received enhanced support?
So far, approximately 69,000 claimants have received enhanced support, which includes additional assistance such as home visits.
How long do claimants have to apply for Universal Credit?
Claimants have three months from the date of their migration notice to apply. If they do not, their payments may stop.
What happens if ESA claimants don’t apply on time?
For ESA claimants, the DWP will make further attempts to contact them before stopping their payments. After 12 weeks, they will receive enhanced support.
How many home visits is the DWP conducting each month?
The DWP has doubled home visits to 30,000 per month, up from 15,000, to assist claimants in applying for Universal Credit.
How does a DWP home visit work?
The DWP Visiting Team will call the claimant to book an appointment, send a confirmation letter, and provide assistance with their Universal Credit application.
What other ways is the DWP helping claimants?
The DWP is experimenting with new ways to deploy visiting officers, including assisting claimants at alternative locations beyond home visits.
What is the Help to Claim service?
Citizens Advice offers the Help to Claim service, assisting Universal Credit applicants with filling out forms and ensuring correct payments.
