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Written question asked by Mark Tami (Labour) on Monday, 14 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 2019. It was answered by Justin Tomlinson (Conservative) on Monday, 21 October 2019 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Social Security Benefits

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether it is her Department's policy that jobcentre staff should inform claimants of universal credit that they should make a claim for new-style employment and support allowance or jobseeker's allowance if they are likely to be eligible for those benefits.

Answer

The Department is committed to providing the best possible support for all claimants irrespective of which benefit they are in receipt of, or in the process of claiming.

Jobcentre staff undergo a comprehensive learning journey designed to equip them with the tools, skills and behaviours required to provide a high quality service to all claimants. All Work Coaches within Jobcentres receive specific training regarding identifying when new style Employment and Support Allowance and new style Jobseekers Allowance are appropriate, and have the knowledge and skills to support claimants throughout the process.

More widely, the Department provides benefit eligibility information to help people make decisions surrounding benefits to which they may be entitled, along with details about how to claim them. This is available through Jobcentre Plus offices and via the GOV.UK website.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
43
Session
2019-19
Related items
Universal Credit
Tuesday, 22 October 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Jobseeker's allowance Jobcentres Staff Employment and support allowance Universal credit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk