Coronavirus and your benefits: some helpful information from DWP

Universal Credit:

From 18/03/2020 – New claims to Universal Credit will still be made on-line. All follow up appointments will now be done over the telephone via a return call from a member of staff from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Nobody will have to visit the office at any stage of making their new claim, except in exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to make your claim online please telephone the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644. Existing Universal Credit claimants can still contact their Work Coach via their online journal or by phone if necessary.

As of 16 March 2020 all routine appointments at Jobcentres have been postponed. Those due to sign-on will be excused from signing. For those already receiving benefits, you will continue to receive your payments and rather than attend the office for appointments, Work Coaches will communicate with you via your on-line journal, the phone, or will simply reschedule appointments for a later date.

Info about attending health assessments:

Please note that face-to-face assessments for all benefits have been suspended for a period of 3 months from 16 March. Assessments for benefits will be carried out by telephone, or by considering medical evidence submitted by post. If you already have an appointment for assessment scheduled you will be contacted to cancel your appointment.

Please keep up to date with changes by visiting the DWP’s website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions