Almost a million people have applied for universal credit in the past fortnight, after the Government directed workers and the self-employed to the scheme on the back of thousands of job cuts and sick pay claims.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said 950,000 successful applications for the payment were made between 16 March, when people were advised to work from home, and the end of the month.
During this time, the service would normally only expect around 100,000 claims. Officials have warned they are working "flat out" to help people get support, but with millions desperately in need of cash, how can you ensure the support arrives as quickly as possible?