UNIVERSAL Credit – widely regarded as the biggest change in the benefits system since the welfare state began – has arrived in Glasgow.

The new benefit replaces six existing benefits with one single payment paid every month, in arrears.

Its introduction in Glasgow began in September and and a phased roll-out across the city’s seven Jobcentres will continue until December.

In the coming weeks the Evening Times, in association with GHA, is highlighting the changes and what they will mean for people who will be moved on to the new system.

We will explain what to expect, offer expert advice from GHA staff, and outline where to get assistance if you need it.

The single payment benefit replaces Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

People will move onto the new benefit if they make a new claim for any of the six affected benefits.

Roll-out dates

  • September Govan Laurieston and Newlands
  • October Partick and Springburn
  • December Castlemilk, Drumchapel and Shettleston

Those who already claim one or more of the six benefits will be moved to Universal Credit if their circumstances change and they have to tell the Jobcentre – such as a change of address that needs a new housing benefit claim; if you have a first or second child; if you start work; or if you separate from a partner who was in a joint claim.

To make a claim for the benefit you will need to complete an on-line application so will need access to a computer and wi-fi.

To get payments you will need a bank account and will need identification such as a passport of driving licence to open an account and also to verify a claim.

Payments are made every month, with an extra seven-day wait for the first payment.

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Valerie McGrory, DWP Senior Operations manager for Universal Credit in Glasgow, said at the centre of Universal Credit is an agreement between the job seeker and their work coach.

She said: “The expectations depend on the individual circumstances.

“It is about them taking responsibility and agreeing on a plan that gets revived and revised regularly.”

Claims are made online at the gov.uk website, then a telephone number is given to make an appointment at the Jobcentre.

Ms McGrory said there are some changes to financial help available to claimants.

She said: “There is no limit to the number of hours you can work. You can still receive Universal Credit which is reduced as earnings increase.

“Families move into work can claim 85 per cent of eligible childcare costs.”

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Some people in Glasgow have already been moved on to Universal Credit before the official roll out dates.

One GHA tenant, who switched to Universal Credit in March, told of her experience of the benefit and the big change it represents.

She said: “People have to know what it means, what they need to do, and how GHA can help.

“Everything changes on Universal Credit.

“The first thing is, you don’t get your money the same way. It’s paid monthly, it’s paid in arrears and it isn’t backdated.

“You don’t get money for the first four or five weeks. People need to be ready for that delay.

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“I got nothing from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for three months. It was hard. Sometimes I couldn’t afford to eat, couldn’t even afford to put my heating on, so I’d spend the day in bed.

“I couldn’t pay my rent and got into arrears. I was so worried I would lose my home.

“When I spoke to GHA it was the first time I’d received any help.

“After three months of waiting, it took GHA’s welfare benefits advisor just one day to start to sort things for me. “

The tenant said she got help with food and furniture for her flat from GHA.

She added: “Another thing to remember is that everything’s online with Universal Credit. They don’t send letters.

“My job coach helped me use the internet. I have to pay for a phone, which is an expense I could do without, but I need it for my online journal.

“You could miss messages for appointments and they can sanction you.

“Universal Credit is a big change.”

www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit

GHA tenants can get help at www.gha.org.uk