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universal credit is being introduced in stages between now and 2017.
Most people won't be affected to start with but here's what you can do to get
ready for the changes.
In April 2013 the government started bringing in a new type of financial
support called
Universal Credit. It's for people who are looking for work
or on a low income and it will eventually replace many of the benefits
and tax credits they getting at the moment.
There are things you can do beforehand to make sure you're ready for the
changes when they happen.
To be able to receive your Universal Credit payments
you'll need to have a bank or building society account. If you have an account
already
check that it's OK for receiving automated payments.
If you have a partner you'll get a single payment for both of you,
so think about whether you want to have it paid into a joint account.
If you qualify for help with your rent this will stop being paid to you direct
and you'll need to pay your landlord yourself. Check that your bank account lets you
set up regular payments
for things like rent and other bills.
If it doesn't you might want to switch to one that does.
Because universal credit is paid monthly you'll probably have to make changes to the
way you budget,
especially when you moving from the old to the new system.
You'll need to work out very carefully how much money you have coming in each month
and what you need to spend it on. That way you can be sure you'll get through
to the end of the month
without running out. Most people will make their Universal Credit claim
and manage their payments online. Help and support will be available if you
need it.
If you don't have access to the Internet ask at your Jobcentre
and I'll tell you where you can get online. Or pop into your local library.
Most to them have computers which you can use free of charge.
And if you're worried your IT skills aren't up to scratch,
your Jobcentre or library should be able to help you find a course.
For more about Universal Credit go to our website,
where you'll also find information and tools to help you open a bank account
and draw up a monthly budget.