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<p>A claimant in hospital, regardless of their condition, has a range of options open
to them to support them through their Universal Credit claim if they are unable to
complete it themselves online.</p><p> </p><p>Those claimants who are unable to claim
online are able to make their claim by telephone and in exceptional circumstances,
a hospital visit may be considered. During this visit, the visiting officer will support
the claimant to make a telephony claim. If the claimant requires a hospital visit,
the date of the claim will be the date of first contact, even if the claimant is not
actually able to complete the claim on that same day. In cases in which the claimant
is unable to manage their own affairs due to mental incapability or severe physical
disability an appointee can be agreed to act on behalf of the claimant in all interactions
with the Department.</p><p> </p><p>All claimants receive continuous tailored support
through their personal work coaches and all DWP staff in customer facing roles receive
training on supporting claimants that report a health condition or disability, including
those claimants who report a terminal illness. The Department are committed to ensuring
that terminally ill patients are treated with sensitivity and care and receive the
support they need to make a claim to Universal Credit.</p><p> </p><p>In addition,
staff can use our District Provision Tool to signpost claimants to relevant information
about local support services. This digital tool lists local and national provision
and support delivered by Jobcentre Plus, Skills Funding Agency, Skills Development
Scotland, Careers Wales, other providers, local authorities, and independent and volunteer
organisations.</p><p />
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