A NEW service called “Help to Claim” has been launched for those who need help to apply for Universal Credit in Ryedale.

The service, which has been created by Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire, will mean that people will now be able to get support as they submit their Universal Credit application to get their first full payment.

A recent survey by the charity found more than a third of people Citizens Advice has helped struggled to provide the evidence needed to complete their Universal Credit claim.

Simon Fisher, of Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire, said: “We’re launching a new service specifically for those who need help applying for Universal Credit.

“We offer free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to people in the community every day and have developed an expertise in dealing with Universal Credit. We have seen first-hand what can happen when people struggle to make a claim and their payments are delayed.

“We encourage anyone who needs help with their application to get in touch with us either in-person at your local office, over the phone on 0800 144 8 444 or over our webchat at citizensadvice.org.uk.”