LAST Wednesday (Dec 12), Universal Credit full service became available in Carmarthenshire.
At this stage it will only affect customers making new claims to Child Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Based Employment and Support Allowance and Working Tax Credit.
People who currently receive any of these benefits, and have not had a change in their circumstances that would result in a claim to any of the six benefits listed above, will not be immediately affected by the change.
When it is time for residents to move onto Universal Credit they will be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions who will go through the process with the applicants. Tenants of Carmarthenshire County Council who are moving onto Universal Credit should contact their Housing Officer who will be able to offer advice and support during the claim process.
Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people in or out of work and is made up of a standard allowance and any extra amounts that apply to them, for example if they have children, have a disability or health condition or need help paying their rent. In most circumstances rent payments will be paid to them, however in some circumstances the rent can be paid directly to the landlord.
Under Universal Credit there is no restriction to the number of hours people can work, the amount of benefit people receive will reduce or increase as they earn more or less.
People can apply for Universal Credit via the www.gov.uk website. Applicants will need an email address and bank account.
If they do not have access to the internet there are computers and digital support available in jobcentres and libraries across the county. More information regarding Universal Credit can be found on the Carmarthenshire County Council website or at the local jobcentres.
Cllr David Jenkins, executive board member for resources, said: “This is a UK wide roll-out and Carmarthenshire County Council will fully support residents throughout the process.”
Add Comment