Universal credit rolled out in North Ayrshire

How benefits are paid in North Ayrshire changes from today. (Wednesday 22nd November)

Universal Credit is being rolled out which replaces six existing means-tested benefits; Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

Universal Credit is paid on a monthly basis. Entitlement is worked out by comparing your basic financial needs that the government says you need to live on with your financial resources.

Only new claimants will go on to Universal Credit now, and current claimants will be switched to it between 2019 and 2022.

But poverty charity ‘Turn2us’ claims to have seen a surge of people contacting it in fear and confusion about Universal Credit.

Pritie Billimoria, Head of Communications of Turn2us, said: “Even though Universal Credit is being introduced to North Ayrshire this week, most people won’t need to worry about switching just yet. Unless you are new to benefits or have a change in circumstances you won’t be transferred onto Universal Credit for at least 22 months”.

More information about universal credit can be found on the North Ayrshire Council website