CITIZENS Advice St Helens has launched a service to support people in making new Universal Credit claims.

Help To Claim will assist people from when they submit the application to receiving their first payment.

READ MORE > Jack's to throw Christmas celebration this Sunday

This assistance is tailored to the individual and is available face to face, over the phone or online.

Help provided could range from helping with the online application to providing evidence like childcare costs.

Universal Credit is a benefit that now combines six into one, including Job Seekers' Allowance and Working Tax Credits.

David Reynolds, operational services manager of Citizens Advice St Helens, said: “We have recently launched a new service especially for those who need help applying for Universal Credit.

"We encourage anyone who needs assistance with their initial application to get in touch with us either in person by visiting our office on the 2nd floor of The Millennium Centre Monday - Friday 10-4pm or by contacting the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 144 8 444 8am -6pm Monday to Friday.”

There will also be a Help To Claim Caseworker present at St Helens Job Centre Plus on Mondays.