Latest news straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Universal Credit claimants are being blocked from challenging decisions they disagree with, a campaign group says.

The system is throwing up so many obstacles for those seeking reviews of decisions that some give up, according to the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).

An analysis of 1,600 benefit cases suggested that some claimants who suspect the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made a mistake are wrongly advised that decisions cannot be appealed.

It follows Birmingham Live's earlier revelation that although a higher proportion of appeal cases are being won, there are fewer appeals being made in the first place.

(Image: Jerome Ellerby)

The biggest success was for those on PIP and ESA, which each saw an astonishing 74 per cent of claimants win their appeals in the January to March quarter.

Meanwhile, 63 per cent of those on Universal Credit also triumphed at their appeal hearing, along with 66 per cent of those fighting a DLA ruling.

But the number of social security related appeals has fallen by 18 per cent overall - and within that, the number of ESA appeals dropped by an astonishing 39 per cent.

The CPAG claims efforts to have mistakes corrected are being delayed or blocked because of wrong advice given to claimants.

When people have a first claim refused, their online account is often closed, making it more difficult to have decisions reviewed, said the group.

CPAG chief executive Alison Garnham said: "The failure to ensure Universal Credit operates in a way that upholds basic legal duties is cause for serious concern.

"UC staff dealing with claimants do not always seem to understand the rules as to how decisions can be challenged, and efforts to make the system more user-friendly by encouraging informal online chats can mean claimants are prevented from exercising their rights and ultimately cannot make sure their awards are corrected.

"The system throws up so many obstacles to getting a decision reviewed that some claimants - often the most vulnerable - are likely to give up and lose out."

Universal Credit - 7 things you need to know Universal Credit is the biggest change to the welfare system in a generation. But what exactly is it and how does the system work? Here's all you need to below. Follow the links below to find out more. 1. What is Universal Credit? Universal Credit is a new social security benefit that was approved in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and first appeared in 2013. By the end of 2018, it was rolled out to all jobcentres. It replaces six existing benefits, now known as 'legacy benefits'. Find out more by clicking on the link above. 2. Universal Credit calculator - how much you will get The amount you are given is calculated according to various factors. The Government says if you have children, a disability, or you need help paying for your rent, you may be entitled to extra amounts on top of the standard allowance. Find out more by clicking on the link above. 3. Universal Credit eligibility and how to apply Among the qualifying criteria, you must be on a low income or out of work. And it's important to bear in mind your partner’s income and savings will be taken into account, even if they themselves are not applying for the benefit. Find out more about eligibility by clicking on the link above. 4. How often is it paid and how the online account works To get Universal Credit, TWO accounts are needed. One is a Universal Credit online account where your details (such as the date of the next payment) are available to look at, the other is a payment account at a bank or building society where the Government pays in your money. Find out more by clicking on the link above. 5. Universal Credit contact numbers if you need help There are some special helpline numbers to call if you want assistance. They have been changed to freephone numbers so there is no charge for calling. Find out more by clicking on the link above. 6. How to change your payments if you're struggling Claimants need to be aware the first payment doesn't come through until five weeks after a claim - and then every month after that. If you're not used to waiting a whole month for your payment, it can prove difficult. But there is a little-known way around that. Find out more by clicking on the link above 7. What to do if your Universal Credit payments are cut There are occasions where the Department for Work and Pensions imposes sanctions on claimants if they appear to have broken the rules, for instance by not showing up at jobcentre appointments. In such cases, Universal Credit can be cut or stopped altogether. Find out what to do by clicking the link above.

She added: "One hundred and thirty thousand individuals and families are moving on to Universal Credit each month.

"If it isn't accountable, and if appeal routes are not crystal clear and readily available to claimants, then Universal Credit isn't fit for purpose."

A DWP spokesman said: "We continue to work closely with CPAG and welcome the opportunity to do so. We have already improved guidance online and advice to staff about mandatory reconsiderations.

"Anyone who disagrees with a benefits decision is able to request a mandatory reconsideration either online, by phone, in person or in writing."