Universal credit: Is the government's benefit system working?

The government's overhaul of the welfare system to create one universal benefit has not had an easy roll out.

The aim was to create a smoother benefits system that encourages people to stay in work. But it's years behind schedule, linked to rise in food bank use and rent arrears, and critics claim it might make millions poorer.

It's big, it's confusing and it's hard to know from the noise what the actual problems are.

Michael Buchanan, who's spoken to universal credit claimants across the country, explains.

Update 9 May 2019: This video was first published in December 2018 and was republished in error. The Government has since made changes to the Universal Credit programme.

The Department for Work and Pensions told the BBC: "Universal Credit is working well for the vast majority of the 1.8 million people it supports. 100% advances are available from day one and for those unable to claim online, claims can be made by telephone, at the jobcentre or through a home visit."