30 October 2006 - Murphy: 0800 numbers for those claiming benefits
New 0800 numbers for people claiming working age benefits is one of a number of improvements to people’s first contact with Jobcentre Plus, announced today by Employment and Welfare Reform Minister, Jim Murphy MP.
The 0800 numbers will be made available to customers across the country over several months. In the majority of cases customers will only need to make a single call to a contact centre to get their claim for benefits such as Jobseekers’ Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Income Support processed. The change will affect all customers claiming benefits.
Speaking at the welfare reform conference in Edinburgh Jim Murphy said:
“Many of our customers are among the poorest in society and we can do more to support them. We have to make sure that those who need help can make a claim quickly and easily and without being hit in the pocket. We have been piloting the 0800 number along with a range of other measures and I’m pleased that they have improved the service for our customers – now we’re beginning to roll them out across the country.
“Getting welfare reform right is all about striking a balance between providing the opportunities for those who can to find work and ensuring the safety net is in place for those who cannot. A fast, efficient and free claims process is essential to the next phase in making that happen.”
The 0800 number is part of a package of measures designed to make the system easier to use and more efficient. Other measures include:
- a single call to the contact centre for the majority of customers, with flexibility to revert to calling the customer back during busy periods;
- improved information for customers to help them access the service they need;
- fast-track procedures for people making repeat claims and for people who do not require an immediate work focused interview;
- streamlined arrangements for collecting information to support claims; and
- faster access to information and advice.
The measures have been piloted in North Lincolnshire and also the Central London district to test the new model in a demanding inner city area. Ultimately the aim is for anyone wishing to claim benefit to be able to make one call to an 0800 number to make their claim.
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