Teleclaims blamed for benefits losses

Homeless people risk losing their benefits and missing out on accommodation because of a new telephone claim system, according to a charity.

Housing Justice says vulnerable homeless people were losing out on jobseeker’s allowance because they were having problems getting through to the teleclaims phone line, had limited resources for phone calls, or were unable to deal with telephone interviews.

A spokesperson said they could end up losing accommodation or failing to secure new homes if they could not access the benefit.

Housing advisers will challenge representatives from Jobcentre Plus about the new system at a meeting organised by Housing Justice this week.

The teleclaims system is currently being rolled out across the country.