Changes to benefits system explained

ANSWERS around Universal Credit are available thanks to officials from Citizens Advice LeicesterShire

The new benefits system was rolled out fully across Hinckley and Bosworth in March and some recipients may not be familiar with all the changes.

Universal Credit is a combination of six benefits, including housing benefit and working tax credit, which helps people on a low income or not in work to meet their living costs.

Before March, Universal Credit was only available to single jobseekers in Hinckley and Bosworth but now parents, couples and people who can’t work because of their health who make a new claim will also receive it.

Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is highlighting the changes, especially around how the money is paid, and is offering to support new claimants.

A spokesman said the main changes were that payments are made in arrears once at the end of the month, rather than being paid every week, will go straight into the claimant’s bank account and new claims need to be made online.

This all means people may need to set up their own standing orders for expenses like rent if it was paid directly to their landlord under the old housing benefit system.

Citizens Advice LeicesterShire in Hinckley and Bosworth operates a drop-in service on Mondays and Thursdays 10am to 3pm.

For general advice or to make an appointment for specialist advice call 0300 330 1025. The Adviceline is available between 9am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.