Universal Credit – Partner Presentation

Updated 4 March 2015

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Welfare Reform

Our reforms …

Welfare Reform has introduced a simpler, fairer benefits system that helps ensure people are better off in work than on benefits.

Prepare the long-term unemployed

for the world of work

Provide unconditional support for those

who need it

Ensure people receive a fairer pension

and are encouraged to save for retirement

Help to ensure people are better off in work

than on benefits

Supportfamilies to stay together

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Universal Credit

is at the heart of these reforms. It is a radical new service that reduces poverty

by making work pay. Work is the best route out of poverty; under Universal Credit, people are more likely to be in work.

Welfare Reform

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Universal Credit - it’s all about work

• Universal Credit aims to reward work

• Universal Credit will encourage a new type of relationship with claimants

• Universal Credit aims to support jobseekers through the Claimant Commitment

• Universal Credit claimants are expected to use Universal Jobmatch

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Delivering the policy - how Universal Credit is rolling out to eligible claimants

• Universal Credit rollout began on 29 April 2013 in Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester

• From 30 June 2014, we began taking new claims for Universal Credit from couples

• From 24 November 2014, we began to expand Universal Credit to families. From 2 March 2015, all original 96 live sites are taking claims from families

• From 16 February 2015, Universal Credit began to be rolled out to all jobcentres and local authorities across the country for single claimants

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Claimant Commitment

Claimant Commitment

Individually tailored to take account of someone’s circumstances

Outlines what a claimant must do in return for their benefit

Sets out clearly the consequences of not meeting Claimant Commitment

Claimant Commitment reviewed on a regular basis

Work

Claimant

Work Coach

Claimant

Create Accept Work Requirements

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Making Work pay

Universal Credit helps to ensure people are better off in work than on benefits by:

• Removing the limit to the number of hours someone can work each week• Reducing a claimant’s Universal Credit payment gradually as their earnings increase, so they won’t lose all their benefits at once if they’re on a low income

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Eligibility

Claimant goes to

GOV.UK to check latest position

as Universal Credit gradually expands

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Local Area

Support for claimants with complex needs

BudgetingWork

OnlineHousing

Support for claimants

LA Services

National Partners

Local Partners

Jobcentre Plus

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Alternative Payment

Arrangements

Moneyadvice

Financial products

Claimants managing their

money

Personal Budgeting Support - Overview

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Universal Credit pages on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Jobcentre offices where eligible claimants can make a claim for Universal Credithttps://www.gov.uk/jobcentres-where-you-can-claim-universal-credit

The Claimant Commitment https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-your-claimant-commitment-quick-guide

The Local Support Services Frameworkhttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181395/uc-local-service-support-framework.pdf

UC Local Support Services Update and Trialling Plan published in December 2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-local-support-services-update-and-trialling-plan

Operating Guidance for PBS & APAshttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181399/personal-budgeting-support-cover-note.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181400/personal-budgeting-support-guidance.pdf

Budgeting help and support https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budgeting-your-universal-credit-quick-guide

Useful Links

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The Universal Credit Personal Planner - aimed at helping financial and digital preparationhttps://secureonline.dwp.gov.uk/universal-credit-preparation/

Money Advice Service support for Universal Credit https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/universal-credit-and-other-benefits

Money Advice Service Universal Credit video https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/videos/get-ready-universal-credit

The Universal Credit and Rented Housing Frequently Asked Questionshttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/337964/universal-credit-and-rented-housing.pdf

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Universal Credit

Any Questions ?