Published: Monday, 3rd December 2018
On 21 November Universal Credit full service started in Cannock. Cannock Chase Council is raising awareness of the changes affecting residents with the launch of the ‘Managing your Money’ campaign.
Universal Credit is a new benefit system which replaces Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Related Employment Support Allowance, Tax Credits and Housing Benefit.
From 21 November you will need to claim Universal credit if you are making a new claim for Benefit or have been specifically notified by DWP that you need to change to Universal Credit. All other residents will continue to claim the current benefits in the usual way. It will affect working age individuals, including single parents and you can claim it whether you have a job or not. Pensioners are not affected by the changes.
Universal Credit is administered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and must be claimed online via the gov.uk website using a computer, smart phone or tablet.
Councillor George Adamson, Leader of the Council said “Universal Credit is a big change for those people receiving benefits, with just one monthly payment being made for all the benefits previously received. Those claiming will need access to a computer and must have a bank account.
“Our ‘Manage your Money’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the changes to the current benefit system in Cannock Chase to make sure those moving to Universal Credit are prepared.”
The awareness campaign will include a leaflet, banners, a wealth of information via our website and social media messages.
If you are a Council Tenant requiring help to manage your money, please contact the Income Management Team on 01543 462621.
If you have been notified that you need to claim Universal Credit and need help to deal with your claim, please call the Benefit Team on 01543 464292.