MILLIONS of Universal Credit claimants could be impacted by a big rule change from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Those who claim the benefit and want to get work may find it easier to find jobs thanks to a new scheme.
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This is because the DWP is officially launching a scheme that offers Jobcentre staff cash rewards for getting claimants into work.
The scheme will aim to increase a person’s employability.
Staff will be required to offer more one-to-one sessions and support.
It will also make it compulsory for claimants who have been on the benefit for 13 weeks, to visit a Jobentre every weekday for a fortnight for “intensive support” sessions.
Those who get the most Universal Credit claimants into work could get £250 as a reward.
Those closely following the top performers will get £125.
The scheme first launched in Coalville, Crawley, Partick and Pontefract Jobcentres and is now being launched to a further 60 across Scotland, Surrey & Sussex, West Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
A DWP spokesperson said: “It is right that we reward our staff when they go above and beyond, and helping people to secure, stay in and succeed in work is a key government priority.
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“DWP has an existing in-year reward policy which allows for recognition in the form of both individual and team-based awards in the form of vouchers to colleagues.”
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a welfare scheme which was designed to combine a number of old “legacy benefits” into a single monthly payment.
Whether you are eligible will depend on your specific circumstances.
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:
- you’re on a low income or out of work
- you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- you’re under State Pension age (or your partner is)
- you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
- you live in the UK
Can I work if I claim Universal Credit?
Yes. It’s not just paid to people out of work, and you can get help to top up your income if you’re employed.
You can use a benefits calculator to see how much you’re likely to get in total.
You are assessed every month and if things change, it might affect how much you are paid for the whole assessment period.
If you start earning more from work, you’ll get a reduction in payments due to something called the taper rate.
As your income increases, your payment will reduce until you’re earning enough to no longer claim Universal Credit – then your payments will be stopped.
If your earnings change from month to month, you may find you need to keep reapplying for Universal Credit.
You must be honest with the DWP about your working situation and when things change – this can impact how much you get.
If you don’t tell the government about any changes you could incur a hefty fine.
You can find out exactly how much you can earn without reducing your payments or losing them altogether with our step-by-step guide.
How much is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit payments are made up of a standard allowance and then various additional payments that depend on your circumstances.
This is how much you will get as your standard allowance each month:
- Single, under 25 – £265.31
- Single, 25 or over – £334.91
- Couple, joint claimants both under 25 – £416.45 (for both of you)
- Couple, joint claimants, one or both 25 or over – £525.72 (for both of you)
You may get additional payments, for instance, if you:
- have children
- have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working
- need help paying your rent
It’s worth bearing in mind that Universal Credit payments will go up from next April in line with inflation in September this year.
That means payments will go up for millions by 10.1%.
So, if you’re single and under 25, your payments will go up to £292.11.
If you’re single and 25 or over, they’ll go up to £368.74.
Joint claimants who are both under 25 will see their payments go up to £458.51.
Plus, joint claimants where one or both of you are 25 or over will see their payments go up to £578.77.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
