THE SDLP has voiced its support for the ‘Keep Me Posted’ campaign alongside Advice NI, for claimants to have the choice to receive postal notifications of Universal Credit payment, the new combined benefit being rolled out across the North of Ireland.SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon MLA said: “To claim Universal Credit you have to apply online. Yet the truth is that there are vast numbers of people of all ages across Northern Ireland who cannot use email because they don’t have the digital skills or knowledge.
“The SDLP has consistently pointed out this serious barrier to the Department for Communities and has made it clear that in the absence of an overhaul of the entire system, changes need to be made to offer options and support to those who aren’t equipped to do everything online.
“One such change which could be made now is for claimants to be offered the option of receiving postal notifications that their payment has issued.
“This small change would make a big difference to people’s lives by helping them to access their much needed money as quickly as possible.
“It’s a no brainer and I can think of no reason why the Department for Communities could object”.
