Universal Credit roll out continues
The national roll out of Universal Credit continues today (11 May 2015) with the benefit now available to new single claimants in Richmond, Kirkwall, Lerwick and Stornoway.
Universal Credit – which will be available in all jobcentres across the country by next spring – simplifies the system to make sure it always pays to be in work. When fully rolled out, it will make 3 million people better off with a £7 billion boost to the economy every year.
Already available at over 260 jobcentres across the country, the new benefit will eventually replace 6 existing benefits:
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Housing Benefit
Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, said:
Universal Credit is bringing welfare into the 21st Century by restoring fairness to the system and making work pay in a modern labour market.
We’ve already seen remarkable successes with Universal Credit claimants moving into work faster and staying in work longer.
As part of our long-term economic plan, today sees the next stage of this welfare revolution with the continual roll out of Universal Credit.
The latest research into the impact of Universal Credit demonstrates that the new system is getting people back to work faster and helps them to earn more. For the first time claimants will now be supported to progress in work.
Fraud and error will be significantly reduced, with jobcentres having access to real-time HMRC earnings data under Universal Credit. Benefit payments can now be calculated exactly, meaning the right level of support is in place to help people on their journey into work, including topping up claimants earnings when they are on a low income.
More about Universal Credit
Universal Credit is now available at 1 in 3 of the country’s jobcentres.
Universal Credit is paid monthly, mirroring the way most people are paid in work.
Read the DWP report Universal Credit at Work – spring 2015.
More than 64,000 people have already made a claim to Universal Credit – it is available in 264 jobcentres including all of the north west and is available to couples too. Claims from couples, families and lone parents are also being taken in 96 sites across the north west.
On 11 May 2015 Universal Credit will be offered to single claimants in:
- Richmond jobcentre area
- Kirkwall jobcentre area
- Lerwick jobcentre area
- Stornoway jobcentre area
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