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<p>DWP is committed to making sure that claimants have the right support available
to them to help make and maintain a Universal Credit claim and manage their finances.
The Department works with local authorities, Citizens Advice and other third sector
providers to make sure that this support is in place.</p><p> </p><p>Universal Support
provides Universal Credit claimants with additional help to use a computer to make
or maintain their claim (Assisted Digital Support), help in managing their monthly
Universal Credit payment and possible advice on their finances (Personal Budgeting
Support).</p><p> </p><p>We also refer claimants to Citizens Advice and the Money Advice
Service for more specialist debt advice and have also worked with the Money Advice
Service to develop a Money Manager Tool. The Money Manager is designed for people
on Universal Credit to make the most of their money, both when they are waiting for
their first Universal Credit payment and when they are getting regular monthly payments,
and is available online through the Money Advice Service.</p><p> </p><p>DWP is currently
looking at how Universal Support operates and will examine feedback from providers
and users before making decisions related to the future and shape of Universal Support.</p><p>
</p><p>If people have problems managing their monthly payments, alternative payment
arrangements (APAs) are available. These include direct payment of rent to landlords,
more frequent-than-monthly Universal Credit payments, and splitting household payments
in some cases. Work coaches make claimants aware of APAs. Information is also available
through <a href="http://gov.uk" target="_blank">gov.uk</a>, the Universal Credit helpline
and Universal Credit at Work and DWP always prioritise vulnerable claimants for APAs.</p><p>
</p><p>All DWP staff delivering Universal Credit undergo comprehensive training, which
includes information on Universal Support. This training includes support to recognise
and help claimants with complex needs, and is delivered through a range of methods,
which includes facilitator-led learning and skills practice.</p>
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