Lost my job and really worried my Universal Credit claim won't be processed due to covid19. Please advice

[littlemissmuffins]

I've now lost my job because of this. Made a Universal Credit claim yesterday. Could not verify my identity online as some people it doesn't work for. Have my appointment at Jobcentre to verify and get my advance loan to cover the five week wait on Tuesday.

I'm very very worried that either due to staff shortages, the masses of new applications, or the job centre being closed, I won't be able to prove I am who I say I am, my tenancy agreement and finalise my claim. They obviously won't just start paying people before identity is verified, as that would cause mass scammers.

I have Children and if that happens I will run out of money completely for essentials by next Thursday.

I've tried calling them today and gave up after 1.5 hours on hold. Tried writing in my online journal, no response.

This isn't a begging thread. I have family who could transfer me some to get by, but I don't want them impacted as they are not well off.

Does anyone know if there are plans in place for this and what they are?? So many people will have made new applications this week and many of them won't be able to be verified online (it's not that we are not able to use the online verification, it's that the system can't find some of us)

Anyone work for the DWP and know??

[Evilcorona]

Hopefully someone gives an answer. I need to claim UC too.

[Kmx123]

Im in the same situation i left a domestic abusive relationship in january i have 3 kids and no family or friends waiting for me benefits to be put through no idea what im going to do i went to the foodbank akd they didnt have much supplys was given 2 uht milks weetabix 3 ravolis bread pasta and sauce tin of sweetcorn im running low on nappies and baby milk sont know what to do

[ScottishDiblet]

I’m very sorry this is happening to you. I think a good place to start is your local council. I checked on my council’s website and found this www.merton.gov.uk/council-tax-benefits-and-housing/benefits/money-advice/local-welfare-support-scheme - does your council have the same? I imagine they are busy at the moment but should be geared up to help you. Good luck.

[OhMy05]

Yes certainly the council will get some funding for this from central government. The assistance they can offer will be advertised on their website (assuming you’re in the UK). My council has it on their site alongside the info about Covid.

[Hoggleludo]

Is t there a loan thing? Like emergency loan? From the council you can get?

[ArnoldBee]

There are lots of contingency arrangements being put in place now. The key priority is making sure that people get paid.

[carben]

At the moment - although changing hourly - face to face and telephone mandatory appointments are being cancelled. These apply to claims up and running and in payment. Staff are being deployed to processing new claims be it UC, New style JSA or New Style ESA. As much as possible will be done by telephone where some easements will be put in place including checking ID. It is an evolving situation as lots of DWP staff have underlying health conditions and have been sent home for 12 weeks. The viability of different job centres staying open to the public will depend on the remaining staff staying well themselves and staffing being at a safe level. Contingencies are being discussed all the time but the absolute priority is getting new claims into payment as fast as possible.

[littlemissmuffins]

carben thank you very much for your detailed reply. So maybe they will get me to screenshot and send all my evidence ie passport, council tax bill, bank card and lease if job centre not open?? Hopefully

[carben]

Yep much or all will be done by phone or e-mail with having to come to the Jobcentre a last resort but there if needed.

[littlemissmuffins]

Thank you so very much