Small change to make a big difference to veterans
Former Armed Forces personnel are being urged to inform the Department for Work and Pensions that they are veterans when applying for Universal Credit so they can access a wealth of additional support tailored to their specific needs.
DWP has introduced a simple tick box on its Universal Credit online application form to make it as easy as possible.
Veterans who tick it will be assigned a specialist Armed Forces Champion Work Coach who will deliver tailored employment support and benefits advice as well as sign-post them to other organisations where appropriate.
Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said:
“Those who are serving in the Armed Forces provide an invaluable contribution to society and it’s important they, and their families, feel fully supported when claiming benefits.
“Former personnel have a unique set of highly transferable skills and ensuring they receive the best support right from the start is a key part of why the employment rate for veterans is even higher than in the general population.
“This move will help us better match our resources to demand, and enable us to carry out further research on employment outcomes for veterans.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Leo Docherty said:
"This extra support underlines the government's commitment to ensuring that veterans get the support they need.
“I encourage all veterans applying for Universal Credit to access this specialist service, so we can continue to support you, including with DWP's Armed Forces Champions."
Previously the Department learned of a person’s veteran status when they had their first Work Coach interview but now those processing applications will know from the first day a claim is made.
Every Jobcentre Plus district in the country now has an Armed Forces Champion standing by to support former services personnel and their families.
The new network of 50 local Champions are stationed in Jobcentres in England, Scotland and Wales alongside an additional 11 Armed Forces Champions Leads.
Many Armed Forces Champions have themselves previously served in the forces and draw upon their own experiences to help veterans move forward.
Paul Paskins, Armed Forces Champions Lead for the South West said:
“Claiming financial support shouldn’t be a worry when adjusting to civilian life.
“We want service personnel and their families to feel confident in claiming the benefits they’re entitled to, and access the support that is on offer through Jobcentre Plus.
“Everyone who makes a claim to Universal Credit will be assigned a Work Coach at one of our jobcentres. They will assist them to help remove the barriers to work, help with CVs, interview skills and finding a job. A raft of support is available.”
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid said:
“There is a raft of tailored support options available to our veterans through Universal Credit thanks to support from the UK Government.
“Our veterans have quite literally put their lives on the line for our country and our freedom so it is right that we support them now.
“I therefore encourage any veteran in my constituency who is applying for Universal Credit to let the DWP know when you apply so you can access the support available to you.”
To find out more about Universal Credit visit the Understanding Universal Credit website.