Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness among universal credit claimants that in addition to making an online application they must also arrange an appointment with the jobcentre and failure to do so invalidates their universal credit claim.

During the online claiming process claimants are advised by the service of any follow up action necessary including any appointment booking requirement. They will then receive a follow up email within three hours if the required action has not been taken. If they log in to their online account there will be a prominent reminder.

We will soon be implementing the option of a text message reminder if the claimant has informed us that this is their preferred method of contact. We are also currently reviewing our online orientation process to make sure that all requirements are as clear as possible for claimants.