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Anger has erupted over new changes to Universal Credit that are said to be hitting thousands of vulnerable people.

The scrapping of start-date protections under the rules of the new benefit system is "deeply alarming", the DWP has been told.

Ministers are demanding an urgent review of this latest development.

Thousands of people are said to be suffering financially because the Universal Credit system no longer automatically backdates claims from when someone started their application.

Under previous rules, benefits would be calculated from the date an application began but with UC the start date is apparently only protected if a claimant turns up in person to a jobcentre when they apply.

(Image: Getty Images)

Bob Doris, convener of the Scottish Parliament's Social Security Committee, has now written to Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd about "the retrograde step for claimants" and demanded an urgent review of the change, which is believed to affect claimants across the UK.

In his letter, Mr Doris said: "As I am sure you know, there can be many reasons why someone may not be in a position to submit a completed claim on the first day of entitlement.

"It may not be possible to get to a jobcentre, particularly given recent closures."

He added: "There is no doubt this is a backward step and this ill-thought-out change will unfairly impact the most vulnerable people in Scottish society.

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He continued: "At a recent committee meeting, we heard from Glasgow City Council that each and every month 200 claimants, from Glasgow alone, will suffer financially due to the council no longer being able to protect the date of claim.

"This is deeply concerning when you consider the number of claimants that would be affected across Scotland.

"There is already a minimum wait of five weeks for those submitting a claim to receive financial support so this new development is simply not acceptable.

"Whether the DWP were aware of the impact this change would have or not, we want to see it swiftly resolved."

A DWP spokesperson said: " With Universal Credit people receive support to make their claim on day one, meaning they are entitled to cash on their first day.

"This can all be done without needing to go into a jobcentre.

"And with the support of the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service we can ensure there is a consistent approach across the country in the support provided, for example, to those who need further assistance getting online."

The DWP says Help to Claim is available online, through web-chat, through a freephone number and face-to-face through local Citizens Advice services.

It added that all jobcentres across the country have free Wi-Fi and says there are computers available to support customers who need help with making their claim digitally.

A freephone helpline and face to face support are also available for claimants to make and manage a Universal Credit claim, the department insisted.