The government’s new Universal Credits scheme will be implemented on the Isle of Wight from Monday (7th December).
Universal Credits will only affect new applicants but will replace several out of work, low-income benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment. It is designed to make it easier to take temporary or part-time work while claiming additional support through Universal Credit.
You don’t need to do anything if you’re already claiming benefits.
The scheme is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions and applications can only be made online at www.gov.uk/universal-credit. Anyone with difficulties accessing the online application process should contact 0345 600 0723 for assistance.
Universal Credits will only apply to you if:
• You are making a new claim for a relevant benefit. Currently this is jobseekers allowance. You are not affected if you already get income-based jobseeker allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, income support, working tax credit or child tax credit.
•You are aged 18 to 60 (+6 months)
•You do not have children or other dependents, or are pregnant.
•You do not have a disability or long-term illness.
More information is available at https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit or by calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0345 600 0723.
Featured photograph: FreeImages.com/robinbo
