Can't Sign For U C...

[Spicerack]

Was just talking to a mate. He packed his job in a week ago (diabetes) and reckons he can't sign on for benefits. Keeps getting 'timed out' on the computer. No-one's answering the phones and the local office is shut. Said something about being in a queue with 110,000 but I'm not sure was that the phone or computer. I know some of you work there, any bright ideas I could pass on to him?

[THECORBYLOON]

PIXIE, have you the link so I can pass it on to ma pal at the JC to make her aware of it?

[pixie374]

https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-universal-credit

[THECORBYLOON]

Found it, it says,

"Help to Claim

Help to Claim can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the online application, through to support with your application before your first full payment.

It’s a free, independent, confidential and impartial service provided by trained advisers from Citizens Advice. They can help with things like how to gather evidence for your application or how to prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment."

It then gives links to the information I gave earlier.

It might well be an idea for SPICE's pal to contact the local CAB initially but the official advice is to contact the central numbers.

I will let ma pal know.

[THECORBYLOON]

The CAB numbers are open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm by the way.

[THECORBYLOON]

Reply from ma pal, "U prob wont get thru on the number...plus they take days to get back to u. Best trying yrself"

[pixie374]

Is that for Citizens Advice, tcl? I got straight through to them, and they sorted everything, which I hadn't been able to through the whole day. Worth a try x

[THECORBYLOON]

I assumed she meant the national numbers.

[THECORBYLOON]

Like you say, it's worth trying the local CAB, if they say "No", you're no worse off

[pixie374]

I used the local one, yes. It asks for your postcode to give you the number x

[Spicerack]

The last advice I sent him was a c/p of what Corby's friend said about the ID faff. Got a message from him this morning saying he thinks that worked.
(Also wants to know when they'll ring him. ;-/. Lol, I think I've made a rod for my own back, ;-)))

[THECORBYLOON]

You should ask for a week's benefit as a reward...