1. Universal Credit

2. Replaces: IS/JSA/ESA/Tax Credits & HB Single claim for a single benefit from a single organisation More generous for people moving into work 65% withdrawal rate (80%+ at present) Predominantly online claim process (digital as appropriate) Benefit paid monthly in arrears to one person in household Housing costs will normally be paid directly to claimants Supported exempt accommodation – Housing costs remain within Housing Benefit (For now)

3. Universal Credit – roll out National roll out for new single jobseeker claims only, commenced from February 2015 in 4 tranches Leeds to go live between Dec 15 – Mar 2016 – Tranche 4 New single jobseekers only with No children No mortgage Not already getting benefit Has bank account Claims from couples and families already started in the original live sites (mainly North West) No date announced when Leeds will accept claims from couples /families

4. Role of Local Authority No access to DWP systems and limited decision making in order to advise customers Delivery Partnership between LA and DWP Key role for LA to:  Help with online access for customers claiming UC  Support for customers to make online UC claims  Personal Budgeting support  Processing Council Tax Support notifications  Dealing with and supporting the DWP with Housing costs queries

5. Universal Credit – some issues Inbuilt 5-week delay before 1 st payment 7 waiting days for benefit introduced from July 2015 Will also apply to claims that migrate over to UC Better but still not a single system Council Tax Support – Separate claim needed Discretionary Housing Payments Local Welfare Scheme payments Disability benefits Jobseekers Allowance (contributions) Dual systems for some years Migration of existing claims No ‘drag and drop’ New online claim required

6. Other key changes 15/16 Council Tax Support Scheme Changes to award criteria for new Jobseekers (IB) No change for protected groups 6 months CTS award Then wider personal support package offered emphasis on back to work support Local Welfare Support Scheme Links with Fareshare / Foodbanks

7. Summary Biggest change of the Governments Welfare Reforms which started in 2011 Approx 55k Housing Benefit Claimants in Leeds will ultimately be claiming Universal Credit. Plus Non householders / WTC claims Local Authorities and Partners will need to support claimants to manage the change to Universal Credit Pensioners largely unaffected by changes