Universal credit: producing a guide for claimants - Housing Rights

The UC:Us Universal Credit guide has been created by Universal Credit claimants, for Universal Credit claimants and this is what makes it special.

Housing Rights were delighted to be asked to contribute to this important and innovative piece of work. My role was very much in the background, checking to make sure we have the right information about the Housing Costs Element of Universal Credit. However, it’s the experiences of the UC:Us participants that will make this such a vital tool for all new claimants of Universal Credit. The participants treaded the murky waters of Universal Credit in the early days of its roll out in Northern Ireland. Now they are determined to help bring clarity to new claimants, so they don’t have to experience the same difficulties. .

The experiences of the UC:Us participants have often been really difficult and left a lasting impact. They have generously shared their experiences with us to inform the content and structure of the guide. The end result is a resource that is led by user experience. The information is relevant, succinct, and easy to navigate.  I really valued the opportunity to take their insights and perspectives into account when shaping the information that I contributed to the guide.

The timing of this guide couldn’t be more opportune as the dates for the end of the furlough scheme and loss of the weekly £20 Universal Credit uplift loom close ahead. While the Government’s approach at this stage of the Covid-19 pandemic often appears “back to business”, the fall out of the pandemic and its impact on the economy and individuals is at the forefront of the welfare rights sector. The need for practical, accessible information for new Universal Credit claimants has never been more important.

The experiences of the UC:Us participants have often been really difficult and left a lasting impact. They have generously shared their experiences with us to inform the content and structure of the guide. The end result is a resource that is led by user experience.

With all of its complexities and difficulties, Universal Credit remains an important social security benefit for those most vulnerable in our society and will continue to have a vital role in safeguarding homes and preventing homelessness. The guide makes the application process as clear as possible. Highlighting potential pitfalls ahead of time will mean new Universal Credit claimants are more likely to receive their first payment on time and at the right level. The guide also highlights help with housing costs outside of Universal Credit such as Discretionary Housing Payment and Welfare Supplementary Payments. Understanding how and when to access these sources of support will help keep people in their homes.

Everyone involved in creating this guide have eagerly anticipated its launch and I am keen to see it shared far and wide. Our hope is that it reaches everyone who is facing making an application for Universal Credit for the first time, or current claimants struggling to understand how to manage their claim. In what can be really stressful circumstances, I have every reason to believe that this guide will take some of the anxiety out of the process of applying for Universal Credit and maintaining the claim.

Faith Westwood, Policy and Practitioner Support Officer, Housing Rights.

(Closed captions and transcript available soon)