THOUSANDS on Universal Credit will be impacted by a major change from today.
Parents and carers on the benefit looking after kids will have to meet work coaches more regularly to help them find a job.
1
Work coach meetings involve preparing for and finding work, including writing a CV and going on training or work experience.
They are also designed to help you increase you earnings while in employment.
But from today, those looking after one-year-olds will have to attend these meetings every three months instead of six.
Meanwhile, those with children aged two will have to meet coaches every month instead of three, the Government has announced.
Meetings will be further tailored to help people develop their skills and improve their chances of landing a job.
Work coaches will also identify where parents need any extra help in finding employment.
Those impacted won’t see their payments change, but you can still be sanctioned for missing a meeting.
This is when Universal Credit payments are reduced or stopped entirely.
Most read in Money
The change impacts Universal Credit claimants who have the main caring responsibility for a child.
That means you will have to meet the extra requirements even if you are a grandparent, adoptive parent or other guardian.
The move is the Government’s latest bid to get more on Universal Credit into work.
Minister for employment, Guy Opperman MP, said: “This extra support will help those on low incomes to think about and prepare for work while their child is young.
“We’ve already taken steps to support families by increasing the amount of help through Universal Credit and providing upfront childcare costs.
“Today’s change is the latest example of how this Government is putting families first.”
Lee Healey, benefits expert at Income Max, said the Government’s move was “welcome”, but said it could add increased pressure on parents.
He said: “It can be really hard for parents of small children to juggle work with parenting responsibilities, especially if vulnerable, on a low income or if their support network at home is limited.
“What the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) don’t want to be doing here is making vulnerable parents of young children stressed or forcing them into a situation that puts pressure on the family.
“The key to making this work is to ensure the extra support available is delivered well.
“The Government clearly state the reason they are doing this is to tackle economic inactivity.
“That’s all well and good. But the needs of parents and children have to come first.”
The latest change comes as the first of two, with the second coming later this year.
It will see an increase in the work-related activity hours expected of parents of children aged three to 12.
Around 700,000 people will be impacted from today’s change and the second measure later this year.
But it’s not all bad news.
Thousands of parents on benefits including Universal Credit received a £500 cash boost in June.
Childcare support for mums and dads on low incomes was increased by nearly 50% to enable them to work more hours or get a job.
Parents claiming Universal Credit can now get up to £951 a month for one child and £1,630 for two or more kids, up from £646 and £1,108.
The money is used to cover up to 85% of their childcare costs which have spiralled in recent years.
What help you can get if you’re on Universal Credit
The Government is in the process of handing out cost of living payments to millions worth up to £1,350.
Among them is a £900 payment that has been split into three instalments of £301, £300 and £299.
The first should have already been paid while the second and third are expected to land in accounts in autumn this year and spring 2024.
You have to be on a number of benefits to qualify for the help, including Universal Credit. The full list is:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit
Thousands are in line for help via the Household Support Fund too.
The eligibility criteria varies depending on where you live as each council decides how to allocate its share.
But, in most cases, you can get help if you are on a low income or benefits such as Universal Credit.
The best thing to do is contact your local council to see if any support is on offer.
If you don’t know what council area you fall under, you can use the Government’s council locator tool on its website.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
