New data reveals that one in five claims for Universal Credit are being turned down for failing to comply with its claim process.
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According to data released under the Freedom of Information Act, which analysed applications for Universal Credit over one month, a fifth were turned down because of “non-compliance with the process”.
Of those, half failed to book an initial interview.
Universal Credit rules state that if the claimant has not called a helpline to set up an interview within a week of making their application, their claim may be closed.
In addition, a total of 6% of all applications were ended because applicants failed to sign a “claimant commitment” setting out the conditions of their payment.
A further 4% had their application closed for failing to attend an interview at a jobcentre.
With around 100,000 new claims for universal credit each month, this could mean that tens of thousands of claimants will have their claims closed without receiving payment.
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