Upturn of Universal Credit claimants in Grantham district amid coronavirus lockdown
Universal Credit claims in the district have increased since the beginning of lockdown.
In the South Kesteven area, Universal Credit claims have risen by over 2,600 between March 12 and April 9.
The latest figures show that, as of April 9, 8,596 Universal Credit claims have been made across the district compared to 5,932 on March 12.
Nationally since mid-March, more than 1.4 million new Universal Credit claims have been processed.
Will Quince, minister for welfare delivery, said: “Jobcentre staff have done a fantastic job of processing record numbers of Universal Credit claims, and getting support to people who need it quickly.
“We’ve injected £6.5bn into the welfare system to help people during the pandemic, increased the Universal Credit standard allowance by more than £1,000 a year, raised the amount you can get to help with your rent, paused face to face jobcentre appointments, and implemented a call back system so people aren’t waiting on the phone lines unnecessarily.
“This is alongside income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and greater protections for renters.”
In light of the recent pandemic, a new website has been established to assist people with job seeking, remote interview tips and other helpful information.
The site can be found by following the link: https://jobhelp.dwp.gov.uk/