WITH smart phones, tablets and personal computers becoming a dominant feature in everyday life, you could be forgiven for thinking everyone is using the latest technology.

That however, is not the case.

Glasgow has the highest rate in Scotland of people who either do not have access to a computer or don’t possess the skills to use them.

Which poses a problem for people who need to make a claim for the new Universal Credit benefit currently being phased in across the city.

The new benefit, which replaces Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit, requires a claim to be made on line and then managed through using a computer.

Read more: Help getting on-line with GHA click & connect

In association with GHA, the Evening Times, in a series of articles is looking at the benefit changes, what they mean and where to get help,

The DWP’s own analysis of Universal Credit found that only 54% of people were able to make their claim online without help, while one-in-four was not able to submit a claim online at all.

In Glasgow, studies have shown that internet access and confidence to use equipment is even lower than the Scottish average and in the poorest areas the digital skills gap is wider.

Citizens Advice Scotland findings into internet access in Glasgow’s deprived areas showed half of CAS clients in the poorest areas did not have a device to use the internet.

Almost seven out of ten said they would be unable or would need help to claim benefits online.

Organisations in the city are also investing resources to help people get on line for a variety of purposes and Universal Credit claims is making it an essential skill.

GHA has operated a network of Click and Connect centres in communities across the city to help tenants all over Glasgow get online for free and also get help with making benefit claims.

In community centres, tenants halls and rooms in multi-storey blocks, digital learning centres provide computers, free wi-fi with expert help from staff and volunteers on hand to offer advice and support on getting to grips with on line technology.

GHA, along with the other partners in Wheatley, joined forces with Glasgow Kelvin College, the John Wheatley Learning Network and other local partners to run the centres.

Lorraine McLaren, Director of the Wheatley Foundation, which helps fund the centres, said: “Our Click & Connect centres are very popular, close to 5000 people have used the computers at the centres since April this year.

“The centres are really important for people making their Universal Credit claim for the first time or who need help to fill in their online Universal Credit journal.

“People can also get help into work, training and volunteering, with help to write a CV, apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and more.

“The free centres really help us make sure as many people as possible get the benefits of being online.”

Read more: Universal Credit system rolls out across Glasgow - what to expect

GHA click and connect is available to anyone in the communities where classes are run.

The Universal Credit online form must be completed in one session and there is a 40 minute window to answer all the questions and provide the necessary information to support your claim.

The DWP said while it is expected that the benefit is claimed and managed online there is help available for those who are unable to do so.

Valerie McGrory, senior operations manager with DWP in Glasgow said: “Claims will be made on line where possible.

“You can go online at Gov.uk to make a claim. If you turn up at a Jobcentre to make a claim there are personal computers and advisers who can help.

“There is support in libraries through Glasgow City Council who provide additional support.

“If someone can’t make a claim online we can arrange a home visit.

“For some people managing heir account online might not be right for them. We can get a visiting officer to see them.”

For a full list of Click & Connect centres in Glasgow, visit www.gha.org.uk