The Universal Credit is a new benefit for people of working age. It can be paid whether you are in or out of work. It will replace most of the current means-tested benefits and tax credits for people of working age. What benefits will the Universal Credit replace? Income Support income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance income-related Employment and Support Allowance Child Tax Credit Working Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit. Most other benefits will remain and can be paid alongside the Universal Credit. When will Universal Credit be introduced? Universal Credit is currently being piloted in job centres in Ashton-under-Lyne, Wigan, Warrington and Oldham. Between October 2013 and March 2014 it will also be extended to a further six pilot jobcentres in Hammersmith, Rugby, Inverness, Harrogate, Bath and Shotton. So far the pilot areas have focused on solely on claims by single job-seekers. However, it is planned that this will be extended to new claims by couples from the summer of 2014 and to new claims by families in the pilot areas from Autumn 2014. Subsequently Universal Credit will also be rolled out to other areas in the North West of England. Universal Credit is expected to replace new claims for existing benefits elsewhere in Great Britain during 2016. Most existing claimants will be moved onto Universal Credit during 2016 and 2017 although some may not be moved until 2018. The timetable in Northern Ireland will depend on the passage of the welfare reform bill. How will my Universal Credit be calculated? In calculating your Universal Credit the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) start by working out the maximum amount of Universal Credit that you can get. This figure varies depending on your family size and other circumstances. However, because Universal Credit is means- tested, this figure is then reduced if you have other income or capital above certain amounts. Your maximum Universal Credit award is worked out by adding together whichever of the following elements apply to you: Adults there is a standard allowance for adults depending on whether you are – single or part of a couple. A lower amount is paid where both members of a couple or a single person are under 25. Children an amount is added for each child or qualifying young person, with a – slightly higher amount for the first child.
The Universal Credit is a new benefit for people of working age. It can be paid whether you are in or out of work. It will replace most of the current means-tested benefits and tax credits for people of working age. What benefits will the Universal Credit replace? Income Support income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance income-related Employment and Support Allowance Child Tax Credit Working Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit. Most other benefits will remain and can be paid alongside the Universal Credit. When will Universal Credit be introduced? Universal Credit is currently being piloted in job centres in Ashton-under-Lyne, Wigan, Warrington and Oldham. Between October 2013 and March 2014 it will also be extended to a further six pilot jobcentres in Hammersmith, Rugby, Inverness, Harrogate, Bath and Shotton. So far the pilot areas have focused on solely on claims by single job-seekers. However, it is planned that this will be extended to new claims by couples from the summer of 2014 and to new claims by families in the pilot areas from Autumn 2014. Subsequently Universal Credit will also be rolled out to other areas in the North West of England. Universal Credit is expected to replace new claims for existing benefits elsewhere in Great Britain during 2016. Most existing claimants will be moved onto Universal Credit during 2016 and 2017 although some may not be moved until 2018. The timetable in Northern Ireland will depend on the passage of the welfare reform bill. How will my Universal Credit be calculated? In calculating your Universal Credit the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) start by working out the maximum amount of Universal Credit that you can get. This figure varies depending on your family size and other circumstances. However, because Universal Credit is means- tested, this figure is then reduced if you have other income or capital above certain amounts. Your maximum Universal Credit award is worked out by adding together whichever of the following elements apply to you: Adults – there is a standard allowance for adults depending on whether you are single or part of a couple. A lower amount is paid where both members of a couple or a single person are under 25. Children – an amount is added for each child or qualifying young person, with a slightly higher amount for the first child.
benefits_are_changing_revised_20_dec_2013.docx