Major benefit changes on the way

People on Arran and across North Ayrshire in receipt of benefits are being reminded that major changes are on the way.

The next phase of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) rollout of Universal Credit begins on Wednesday November 22, which will see six benefits and tax credits replaced with a single monthly payment for the majority of working-age claimants.

Since 2015, a small number of people have been claiming Universal Credit in North Ayrshire. The new phase will be rolled out to a much wider group of people in late November.

Welfare benefit

Universal Credit is a new type of welfare benefit administered by the DWP which is paid to those who are out of work and some people who are in work but on low incomes.

The changes will see Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, incomerelated Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit replaced by a new single payment.

North Ayrshire Council staff will provide in-depth support to residents in the coming months. If you think that you could be affected or require further information, visit www. north-ayrshire.gov.uk/universalcredit or contact your local Jobcentre for more information.

You can also find out more details by visiting the UK government website at www.gov.uk/universal-credit