Thread by @CommonsWorkPen

We received over 6,000 responses to our survey on people's experiences of the benefits system during the #coronavirus outbreak.

Here’s what we learned (thread):

1. Individuals are grateful for how @DWP has adapted its operations.

2. But some people trying to claim #benefits were still facing delays.

3. Lots of people were having trouble with the ID verification process, although since the @DWP has changed the system so you can now use a Government Gateway ID.

People found it particularly hard to provide sick notes as evidence while GPs are so busy.

4. There are lots of new people claiming benefits who don't understand the system. Some people gave up trying to apply.

5. People claiming sickness and disability benefits feel particularly hard hit.

6. Fewer people are requesting Advance payments than normal.

30% who answered the question on our survey said they were asking for an Advance payment. We learned from @DWP that the rate pre-outbreak was 60%.

Getting an Advance payment is still hard for some. Some people who requested an Advance payment were told they weren't entitled to one.

Other people said they got their Advance easily and on time.

7. Some people want to claim #UniversalCredit, but aren't able to. Individuals with 'no recourse to public funds' and people with savings said they were missing out.

Students were another group who have found themselves unable to apply for jobs and unable to claim full benefits.

8. Lots of the new people who are claiming benefits said they are self-employed - over 1,400 people mentioned self-employment in their responses.

44% of self-employed respondents were claiming because of #coronavirus, compared with 10% who were claiming benefits already.

Some self-employed people said they were falling through the gaps in support. Many didn’t know how the Self-Employment Income Support grant will work with #UniversalCredit.

9. Ultimately, lots of people said they are still struggling to make ends meet during this period.

75% of people who told us they are receiving #UniversalCredit, and 63% of people who said they are receiving Employment and Support Allowance, said the benefits wouldn't stretch to cover their basic living costs.

Our survey is just a snapshot and may not be representative. But the stories we heard are really valuable.

To read the full summary, click here: publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmse…

Watch our evidence session with @DWP Ministers on #coronavirus here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/86…

➡️Keep up to date on our inquiry into the @DWP's response to the #coronavirus outbreak by following us @CommonsWorkPen.

Find out more about the survey here: committees.parliament.uk/committee/164/…