Enhanced, free, confidential and impartial support to help people make a Universal Credit claim is available from today.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has invested £39 million into the ‘Help to Claim’ service, which will be delivered independently by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Amber Rudd said:

One of the best things about Universal Credit is its flexibility. It recognises that everyone is different and it’s not a one-size-fits-all benefit.

So for anyone who needs that little bit of extra help to make their claim, new help is now here.

In addition to the support Jobcentre Plus staff already provide, Citizens Advice will now deliver high quality, independent advice through Help to Claim.

Help to Claim will provide free, confidential and impartial support to help people make a Universal Credit claim. People using the service can get advice on anything to do with applying for the benefit, including gathering the required evidence, filling in the application or preparing for their first jobcentre appointment.

Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland are committed to providing ‘Help to Claim’ across all areas of England, Wales and Scotland ensuring a consistent service across Great Britain. People will be able to access support online, over the phone and face-to-face through local Citizens Advice bureaus.

Anyone who requires support to make a new Universal Credit claim or is moving from a legacy benefit to Universal Credit following a change of circumstances can access Help to Claim.

Accessing Help to Claim support is completely voluntary.

The service can be accessed any time until the first full correct payment of Universal Credit is in place.

Media enquiries for this press release – 020 3267 5141

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The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) recently co-ordinated activity whereby Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) Aerodrome Inspectors audited RAF Northolt and RAF Brize Norton from a ‘safe place to operate’ perspective. These audits were specifically conducted in order to assist the CAA in meeting their responsibility to maintain an appropriate level of safety regulatory oversight on the conduct of civil aviation activity taking place at Government Aerodromes in the UK.

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Mr James Sharp has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

2018 to present FCO, Full-time Language training (Azerbaijani) 2017 to 2018 FCO, Policy Advisor, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate 2015 to 2017 FCO, Policy Advisor, Mediterranean Migration Unit 2013 to 2015 FCO, Director, Migration, Migration Directorate 2012 to 2013 FCO, Gulf and Middle East Advisor, Arms Export Policy Department 2008 to 2012 UK Border Agency, Asia Pacific Regional Director, Hong Kong 2006 to 2008 FCO, Head, Western Mediterranean, Justice and Home Affairs, and Germany Group 2002 to 2005 Almaty, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Non-Resident Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan 2001 to 2002 FCO, Full-time Language training (Russian) 2000 to 2001 FCO, Deputy Head, Security Policy Department 1998 to 2000 FCO, Section Head, North East Asia and Pacific Department 1996 to 1998 Vienna, UK Delegation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, with responsibility for Former Yugoslavia and former Soviet Union 1995 to 1996 FCO, Section Head, Hong Kong Department 1992 to 1995 FCO, Section Head, Eastern Department 1989 to 1992 Cairo, External Relations and Press and Public Affairs Officer 1988 to 1989 FCO, Full-time Language training (Arabic) 1987 to 1988 FCO, Desk Officer for Chile, South America Department 1983 to 1987 BAE Systems, Military Aircraft Division, Lancashire and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia