Maidstone Borough Council 7
Singles can claim Universal Credit
The roll out of Universal Credit started in Maidstone in March for new claims by single people who would otherwise have claimed Job Seeker’s Allowance.
Universal Credit is a significant change both in the way that people can claim help, and the support available to help them into employment.
Most people will claim help online and receive a single monthly payment to assist with their living and housing related costs. For people already receiving benefits, there will be a phased move to Universal Credit, and everyone will be given plenty of notice that this is going to happen, along with advice and support.
For more information about Universal Credit, visit the Universal Credit pages on our website,
maidstone.gov.uk or the
GOV.UK website.
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 six benefits - Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support.
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
The daily jobseeker
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a new website to help people find work.
"The Daily Jobseeker" -
http://dailyjobseeker.tumblr.com/ - has heaps of advice and information to help people get the job they really want.
There are videos and advice to give your jobs search a boost, help with CVs, interview tips, available courses to improve your chances of being recruited, creative career searches, dealing with nerves, standing out from the crowd and information about Universal Credit.
Universal credit and employers
• Employers must report employees’ PAYE information on time - on or before payments are made - so that the DWP can make the correct Universal Credit payments;
• Jobseekers will be more flexible to consider short term work as they’ll know their claim stays open and their benefit payment will adjust accordingly.
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
Affordable lending, safe saving
The Kent Savers credit union has an ethical approach to saving and borrowing money - 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
Budgeting
monthly Universal Credit will be paid monthly. For help on
budgeting monthly and other free, independent money advice visit –
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.
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