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Maidstone Borough Council 7


Universal Credit is on its way


This year Universal Credit will be rolled out in Maidstone starting this Spring with new claims by single working age people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.


Six benefits: Universal credit is the new benefit for all working age people who are unemployed or on a low income. The aim is to make sure that people are better off in work than on benefits. It will replace these six benefits:


1. housing benefit 2. income support (IS) 3. jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) 4. employment and support allowance (ESA) 5. child tax credit and working tax credit 6. budgeting loans and crisis loans


Five facts: 1. It doesn’t affect pensioners


2. It will be a single monthly payment - paid into a bank account


3. Most people will make and manage their claim online


4. There will be a live link to tax office data so it will be updated automatically as people’s pay changes


5. New claimants have to commit to finding work. Their job is finding a job.


Budgeting monthly


Universal Credit will be paid monthly. For help on budgeting monthly and other free, independent money advice visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.


Affordable lending, safe saving


The Kent Savers Credit Union has an ethical approach to saving and borrowing money. It is member-owned and member-controlled. Financial services to its members include affordable loans, ethical savings and services for those who might have difficulty accessing normal financial services. For more information, call 0333 321 9050 or visit www.kentsavers.co.uk


Paperless billing


Fed up with trying to store paper bills? You can receive your Council Tax bill by email rather than a getting it through the post. Sign up to e-billing at www.maidstone.gov.uk/emailbilling


Maidstone Borough Council has been working with partners to highlight the perils of using dangerous money lenders.


Loan Sharks rarely give any paperwork and if payments are missed, they often use intimidation and violence to get money from their ‘clients’. In one appalling case, the Illegal Money Lending Team found that a man who borrowed £250 from a loan shark ended up paying back


Four essentials: If you claim Universal Credit, you might need to:


1. Get a bank account 2. Start planning your spending monthly 3. Get advice about paying outstanding bills or debts 4. Get an email address


Fighting loan sharks


Maidstone council officers and Kent Community Wardens are joined by Sid the Shark from


Trading Standards’ Illegal Money Lending Team to raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing money from loan sharks


£90,000 over 19 years.


If you need any financial help, there’s free information and advice available on the council’s website at www.maidstone.gov.uk/moneyadvice.


Illegal lenders can be reported by calling 0300 5552222. For advice about a safer, cheaper alternative for borrowing money, residents can contact the Kent Savers Credit Union (www.kentsavers.co.uk)


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