Local charity Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West, which covers Stone, is encouraging people to turn to them for help if they have questions about Universal Credit and how it affects them.
Most enquiries to Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West relate to who is eligible for the benefit and requests for help with the application process. Data released by the Department for Work and Pensions earlier this month shows that nearly 200,000 people are now on the benefit across the UK.
Universal Credit rolls six working-age benefits into one single monthly payment, supporting people who are on a low income or out of work. It is being introduced in stages across the country, in the first instance to single people who are making new claims. It will eventually be rolled out to couples, families and people who are sick or disabled.
[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]Five things you need to know about Universal Credit:
1. Universal Credit is a new benefit for people in and out of work, which will eventually merge six benefits into one: Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. Currently you can still apply for ESA separately from Universal Credit
2. It does not include Council Tax Support – you will still need to apply for this locally
3. You apply for Universal Credit via a single application. You’re usually expected to do this online, but you can apply over the phone or in person if you need to.
4. Universal Credit payments are made on a monthly basis, rather than weekly or fortnightly like previous benefit
5. You can ask for an advance payment of Universal Credit to help you get by while you’re waiting for your first payment. This is called a ‘short term advance’.[/box]
[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Sue Nicholls, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West, said: “Many people will need help getting to grips with Universal Credit. ‘Since it was introduced in Stafford there has been a gradual increase in the number of people turning to us for help with their claim.
“Simplifying welfare and making every hour of work pay are good principles. We know that without the right help and support, local people may struggle with Universal Credit and how to manage their money on the new benefit. The Jobcentre has an important role to play in making it clear that help is available and that it effectively signposts to where people can get the support they need.”[/box]
In the last 12 months local Citizens Advice across England and Wales have helped people with over 150 Universal Credit issues every week. Anyone needing advice or support from Citizens Advice can call 03444 111 444.
