This support scheme will help claimants through every step of making a Universal Credit claim. It will offer people the comprehensive and practical support they need to get their first payment on time and be ready to manage it when it arrives.

Universal Support provides advice and assistance to help claimants manage their Universal Credit claim, with a focus on budgeting advice and digital support. Since 2017, Universal Support has been delivered by individual local authorities, funded by grants from DWP. 

From 1 April 2019, Citizens Advice (England and Wales) and Citizens Advice Scotland took on the responsibility for delivering a strengthened Universal Support service, a move which will ensure a consistent and streamlined service for claimants across the country. In the Wyre Forest area, Universal Credit claimants can visit the Job Centre at Kidderminster Library, Mondays to Thursdays or can call 0800 144 8 444. If you would prefer to do this online then there is also the facility available to undertake a webchat on www.citizensadvice.org.uk.