RESIDENTS are being given a helping hand ahead of the roll-out of Universal Credit which will bring significant changes.

It is a new benefit which helps people on a low income or not in work meet their living costs and it combines a range of benefits into a single monthly payment.

Citizens Advice workers in Dorset are helping people get ready for Universal Credit as it rolls out in full across the area.

Although the charity continues to ask the government to pause the roll out until problems with the benefit are fixed, it is set to start from October.

The credit is only available currently to single jobseekers but this year parents, couples and people who can’t work because of their health who make a new claim will also receive it.

It will be rolled out in some parts of North Dorset and Purbeck from October, West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland from December and the remaining parts of North Dorset and Purbeck in January 2018.

Citizens Advice is highlighting what changes are due to take effect, namely around how Universal Credit is paid, so that people can prepare before applying for the new benefit.

The three changes people need to be aware of are :

  • Universal Credit payments are paid monthly, rather than weekly
  • Payments will go straight into a claimant's bank account. This means people may need to set up their own standing orders for expenses like rent
  • New Universal Credit applications, and any change circumstances, need to be made online

With most people facing a six week wait for their first payment, Citizens Advice is encouraging people to apply for an advance payment (loan to be paid back) if they’re concerned about meeting their living costs.

There are eight Citizens Advice offices in Dorset. Of the 27,000 people they helped last year, more than 9000 people raised 23,900 benefit issues. Problems with benefits are always some of the most common problems that they see and this is expected to increase.

Caroline Buxton, Executive Manager of Citizens Advice in Dorset, said: “Universal Credit is the biggest ever change to the benefits system, so it’s important people get support while they get used to the new system. 

“Most of the queries we’ve helped with so far have focused on people wanting to know how Universal Credit works and how to apply, and we’d expect that to continue. 

“We can help people at every stage of the application process – from guiding someone through the online application form, or offering budgeting advice to help people best manage their monthly payment. 

“Anyone with a question or concern should get in touch with us at the earliest chance on 0344 241 1291/0344 411 1444 so we can help them make preparations for being on Universal Credit.”