DWP 'closes' 900,000 Universal Credit claims and 'won't pay them a penny'
All the reasons your Universal Credit claim might FAIL as 900,000 cases are closed have been revealed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is closing Universal Credit claims in a blow to people on benefits up and down the country.
In total, between July 2023 and June 2024, a total of 896,000 claims were closed without a penny being paid. Of these, 63,800 were closed because the claimant failed the habitual residence test, according to a Freedom of Information Act.
Ayla Ozmen, director of policy and campaigns at charity Z2K, told The Sun that applying for Universal Credit is often a complex process, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) "unnecessarily complicates it further".
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He said: "It’s particularly concerning to see that the DWP is refusing so many universal credit claims on procedural grounds, such as not providing the correct documents. We know that people struggle to meet all of the requirements of the claims process, often because of a disability or because they have difficulty using computers.
"This can lead to people missing out on vital income. The DWP should take steps to streamline and simplify the claims process." A spokesperson for the DWP said: “We support millions of people every year through Universal Credit, and our priority is to make sure people get the support they are entitled to.
“That includes working with customers to ensure they feel confident and informed throughout the application process, and a free Help to Claim advice service is available to assist people with making their claim.” The stats show reasons include withdrawing the claim, as well as failing the habitual residence test, having insufficient evidence, not being eligible or entitled, ineligible capital, and other reasons. Others included not being process compliant, including failing to attend interviews and not booking a commitment interview.