Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that disabled people receive sufficient support to make a claim for Universal Credit if they are unable to access the internet at home or at public internet locations.

Anyone who need helps making their claim online can call our Freephone helpline to find out what help and support is available. Claimants can also access the internet for free at their local Jobcentre, Council or library. If a claimant needs more intensive or specific support, face-to-face and other help is available through our current Universal Support Assisted Digital service offer, which provides bespoke help, support and skills for claimants to make and maintain their digital account online.

Universal Credit has been designed with accessibility in mind and we are committed to providing personalised support for all claimants, including vulnerable groups, so we ensure that we make reasonable adjustments to meet claimant’s individual needs to allow them to access our services and information. This means that for example, the Department can communicate with customers in a variety of different formats such as Braille, audio, large print, or by arranging for a member of staff to visit the customer in their home.