Universal Credit open: Do I have to go to Universal Credit interviews again?
UNIVERSAL CREDIT opening times changed during the coronavirus pandemic, as the country shielded from COVID-19 and interpersonal interaction became an obstacle. Do people have to go to Universal Credit interviews again?
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Universal Credit interviews serve as a cornerstone of applying for the benefit, vital for determining whether someone gets the monthly payments. COVID-19 has impacted the application process alongside the rest of society, keeping people away from one another. The Government has now drastically altered public health requirements, leading to questions about how the benefits application process works now.
Do you have to go to Universal Credit interviews again?
The Government has adjusted England's coronavirus measures, allowing workers to return to the office with safety restrictions in place.
Not everyone will have returned just yet, including Jobcentre Plus employees.
Officials have asked people not to go to a Jobcentre site as the pandemic continues.
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Current advice states: "Interviews and assessments will be done by telephone.
"You should not go to a Jobcentre Plus unless asked to do so for an exceptional purpose, for example to collect your Payment Exception Service vouchers."
According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, some people may need to go to an interview at the Jobcentre, however.
They advise people to call the Universal Credit helpline if they have reservations about doing so.
On most occasions, interviews will take place over the phone, and Citizens Advice has compiled a guide on what to expect.
They state: "When you apply for Universal Credit, the DWP will call you to process your application - they might use a withheld, 0800 or private number.
"If they're planning to call you, they'll send you a message on your online account.
"The DWP will let you know it’s them by mentioning your postcode and part of your Universal Credit account number during the call."
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"Ask for these things if they’re not mentioned and hang up if you don’t get them - it might be a scam call."
Jobcentres will only meet people for an "exceptional purpose" such as if they are vulnerable or feeling domestic abuse.
The Department for Work and Pensions states all Jobcentres are a safe space for those escaping abuse, and they will receive support while there.
They work in "close partnership" with community services and organisations which aid abuse victims.
Officials have expanded Universal Credit during the pandemic to make it easily accessible to those in need.
The first thing they did was up the monthly standard rate from 317.82 to £409.89 for single people aged 25 and over.
They also removed the minimum income floor to help self-employed people.
The allowance for private renters has also increased to help people with housing costs.