Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make the universal credit helpline available free of charge, at least until roll-out is complete.

DWP have no plans to introduce a 0800 number for the Universal Credit helpline. If a Universal Credit claimant needs to contact us by telephone, they can call the Universal Credit helpline on a 0345 number. Charges for these calls depend on the service provider, but cost no more than a standard geographic call, and count towards any free or inclusive minutes in a caller’s landline or mobile telephone contract. The Department’s guidance directs staff dealing with Universal Credit claims to call customers back either if they request it or if they express any concern about the cost of calling.