Universal credit roll-out to roll out in November

Universal Credit is a new benefit for people of working age who are sick, unemployed and looking for work, or working but on a low income.

Universal Credit will eventually replace Housing Benefit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

From 2 November 2015 Universal Credit will start to be rolled out in Sunderland. This is only for single people making new claims.

If people are already claiming working-age benefits, they carry on as normal until they are notified by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Universal Credit is only available to people who are of working-age (people aged 18 and over and under pension credit age).

HOW CAN CUSTOMERS PREPARE?

• If they don’t already have one, they will need to get a bank, building society, credit union or post office account.

• Start thinking about monthly rather than weekly budgeting, as Universal Credit is paid direct to you monthly into an appropriate account.

• Make sure they have access to the internet or support to complete an online application - applications can only be made this way.

• Start to save. After they have made a claim it can take several weeks before they get their first payment. Think about putting a little aside each month.