Universal Credit opens up new opportunities for Gail
In this article we hear from Universal Credit claimant Gail and her personal Work Coach, Andrea who is keen to demonstrate how Universal Credit is allowing claimants to widen their job search and manage their money more effectively.
57-year-old Gail had been claiming
Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) for 8 months. She had found that fortnightly payments of JSA made it difficult to budget for bills and standing orders, and found it frustrating that it was difficult to take temporary jobs without losing her benefits. She began her claim for Universal Credit in July last year, and hasn’t looked back.
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment, supporting people who are on low income or out of work. It can cover things like rent, childcare costs and any other caring responsibilities.
Gail said: “Before transferring over, I did a lot of research, and asked a lot of questions to really understand the difference between JSA and Universal Credit. Thankfully, Universal Credit information sessions were held at my local Jobcentre where the staff were happy to answer all of my questions. For me, the positive has far outweighed the negative with Universal Credit.”
Once on Universal Credit, Gail was able to take part in courses covering everything from food hygiene to Fire Marshalling, jumping at the chance to attend employer jobs fair events held by the Jobcentre.
“I’m pleased to be on Universal Credit as it means that I can widen my job search to now include temporary and part time roles knowing that I will still get paid each month.”
“A couple of years ago I was doing some agency work, and because I was claiming JSA I had to sign off whenever my contract ended. With Universal Credit you don’t have to sign off, and for me that provides an assurance that I will still get paid each month.” “Receiving a single monthly payment is more like when you’re in work, and it means I’m able to manage my bills more effectively. When I first made my Universal Credit claim, I was able to get an advance payment and this acted as a really helpful buffer until I received my first payment.”
Work coach Andrea said: “Gail is a prime example of how Universal Credit is making it easier for claimants to move into temporary and part-time roles with the reassurance that they won’t lose out financially. The opportunity to take different types of work is allowing Gail, and many others like her, to gain experience and financial independence that they otherwise wouldn’t have.” “Gail is now able to manage her personal budget much more effectively, and she’s actively pursuing training courses to support her journey into full time employment.”