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<p>The Department takes seriously the need to support vulnerable claimants. We are
committed to supporting those with physical and mental health conditions, and ensuring
that terminally ill patients are treated with the utmost sensitivity and care, when
making a claim to Universal Credit.</p><p> </p><p>Universal Credit provides enhanced
personalised support for people. Universal Credit is simplifying the benefits system.
All claimants, including vulnerable claimants and those with mental health conditions,
receive continuous tailored support managed through personal work coaches, who know
each person. We have started to deliver additional training in mental health that
will be available to work coaches to build their expertise and provide the most effective
support.</p><p> </p><p>We are continuously reviewing and improving the service for
vulnerable people who claim Universal Credit to ensure that it is accessible and responsive
to their needs. This includes how they are identified and supported, either from our
own staff or via referrals from local services.</p><p> </p><p>The information requested
on special rules is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate
cost. We have committed to explore options around data sharing with the SSAC to consider
how current practices could be enhanced. Analysts are currently investigating the
availability of this data further.</p>
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