A UNIVERSAL Credit claimant has spoken out about his “harsh” treatment at Andover Jobcentre which he says failed to accommodate for his handicap when processing his case.

Richard Kidd struggles to look at computer screens due to the strain on his eyesight as a sufferer of Diabetic retinopathy, but when he visited the Beech Hurst office they “point blank” told him he had to use one like everyone else.

Mr Kidd, who transitioned from Employment Support Allowance to Universal Credit in September, said he was then accused of “winding up” a supervisor due to making mistakes using the technology.

The Genoa Court resident said: “I’m not the best person at computers, they accused me of trying to deliberately wind them up. I did get a few things wrong I admit on the computer.

“The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has been rather inflexible.

“The people in the job centre were a bit harsh. They could have been more sympathetic to the eye sight issue, I think is very important I’ve had very bad headaches and migraines due to eye sight issues.

“My doctor said they should do it in paper for me.”

But the Andover town councillor also shared his experience of moving onto the government’s flagship benefits system, which left him facing eviction and relying on Andover Foodbank by Christmas.

The part-time worker was left cut off from his housing payments as his letting agency delayed providing the DWP with information over its tenant’s rent.

The stand-off however meant Mr Kidd was also rejected an advance payment from the DWP until the issue was resolved.

Mr Kidd said: “Things got really dire. It was not my fault the letting agency didn’t provide information.

“My emergency savings were getting drained and drained, I cut down on things as much as I could - walking instead of public transport, as much as I could.

“I requested an advance payment but they wouldn’t give it until the issue was resolved.”

Mr Kidd is now receiving back-dated payments from as far back as September now the details have been finalised with the lettings agency.

As a councillor Mr Kidd believes Universal Credit should be abolished due to the concerns of delays and financial hardship found from the system.

He said: “If it’s abolished we need to reform the system, I agree it wasn’t perfect, but [we need] a more humane and more compassionate system, rather than what its aim seems to be saving money.”

A DWP spokeswoman said: “Jobcentre staff provide Mr Kidd with regular IT support and help manage his Universal Credit claim. Once we were able to verify Mr Kidd’s rent he received a full back payment for his housing costs."