Citizens Advice deliver the Help to Claim Service. Support is now available by phone and webchat only. For more information, see Citizens advice.
The current advice is that is if someone needs face to face help to apply for Universal Credit then they should still visit their Job Centre and get support from Job Centre staff. See attached links from the Money and Pensions Service that may be of help:
- Money advice service.org.uk - Coronavirus and your money
- Money advice service - Coronavirus what it means for you
The Citizens Advice national helpline is still operating. The number to ring is: 03444 111 444. Also, people can still access general information e.g. debt and consumer helpline by visiting citizensadvice.org.uk.
If someone is in crisis, they may contact Citizens Advice by texting their name, together with a brief message to the same number. Someone will then look to get back to them.
If someone has debt issues (e.g. bailiff visits, magistrates court fines, rent or mortgage arrears or council tax arrears) then the number to ring is: 07850 209 529. Alternatively, they can email: debtadvice@wolverhamptoncitizensadvice.com.
If someone is in need of absolute crisis advice because they:
- have no food or fuel
- are suffering domestic abuse
- have been given a court date in the next 28 days
- are due to be evicted within the next 28 days
- have been directly contacted by bailiffs
- have been unfairly dismissed
- have had their benefits stopped and as a result they have no source of income
then they should ring 07525 844 112 or email enquiries@wolverhamptoncitizesnadvice.com.
From Monday, March 23, 2020, the Worcester Street branch will be open to the public from 10am to 11am only and, to keep safe, they will be allowing in only one or two members at a time.
They are aiming to help their most vulnerable members only - those who do not have a bank account and no other way of accessing cash. They kindly ask all other members to please stay away - and stay safe.
Changes to the Wolverhampton City Credit Union service will be updated via email, Twitter, Facebook and the website. If anyone has a query, they are asked to email the Credit Union at contactus@wccul.co.uk or send a message via Facebook Messenger. Easily the best way to bank is online and if people are at home, they can learn how to do this with helpful tutorials.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic life is changing for all of us for a while. When lots of things change at once it’s easy for us to feel overwhelmed.
The City of Wolverhampton Council has worked with key city partners to launch a new campaign offering clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time.
For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
Universal Credit claimants can now access British Sign Language interpreters as part of a free video relay service.