You can find more information on Universal Credit by visiting our web pages at www.durham.gov.uk/universalcredit, which has been updated following the announcements made last week.
There is a “postcode finder” tool there which can be used to help customers find local computer facilities and also where they can get support to help them make a claim.
Universal Credit Delayed
The rollout of Universal Credit in Newton Aycliffe will now not take place until 20 JUNE 2018.
If you are on benefits you may be moved from your existing benefits to UC when you have a change of circumstances or reassessment.
Experience tells that the move to UC is a huge financial shock, leading to debt and even eviction.
The change of date gives you six months to prepare yourself by reducing any rent-arrears and debts, joining a Credit Union, and finding out more about UC.
Other changes announced by the Budget include:
From December 2017, people in the Private Rented Sector who have managed payments to landlords for their legacy Housing Benefit, will be offered an alternative payment arrangement (direct payment to the landlord) when they join Universal Credit, provided the relevant criteria continues to be met.
From January 2018, people receiving advance payments when moving onto Universal Credit will have the choice of repaying this over a period of 12 months (it was previously 6 months).
It is worth noting that those migrating from HB could already get 12 months
The amount of advance payment someone can receive will increase to 100% of the expected first payment from January 2018 – it is currently capped at 50%.
The 7 waiting days will be abolished from February 2018
People in receipt of Housing Benefit moving onto Universal Credit will continue to receive their Housing Benefit for an additional 2 weeks from April 2018
From April 2018, housing costs for those people staying in short term temporary accommodation will be administered from Housing Benefit rather than Universal Credit
Universal Credit Live Service will end in December 2017, after which no one can claim UC unless they are in a full service area.
