1. Delivering for local communities
Universal Credit
Delivering for local communities

2. What is Universal Credit?
UC is a monthly payment for people on a low income, whether in or out of work. It replaces 6 means-tested benefits:
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Housing Benefit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support

3. How is Universal Credit different?
Paid whether or not a claimant is working
Single payment, made monthly
If a claimant receives help with rent, this will be paid as part of Universal Credit
Applied for and claim managed online
Where both partners in a couple are eligible, one payment will be made to cover both
Requires all claimants to make a Claimant Commitment, covering things such as job search or training
Access to dedicated work coach

4. The Wealden Context 84% rural district
11,903 people affected by income deprivation
2,785 children living in low income families
5,589 fuel poor households
17.5% of population living with long term health condition or disability that impacts on their day to day lives
1,668 people are providing some form of unpaid care
7,801 households do not have access to a car
High speed broadband access/mobile reception is improving, but remains an issue

5. Accessing help There is no Job Centre in the region.
Claimants are expected to have their initial meeting with their Job Coach face to face.
Claimants in Wealden have to travel to: Crawley, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Newhaven or Tonbridge
Finding online access is difficult e.g. loss of local libraries.
Free helpline, but long waits
Can be DWP home visit in exceptional circumstances
Clients can access assisted digital support or personal budgeting Advice at Wealden Citizens Advice (drop in, ADVICELINE, )
Wealden Citizens Advice can also help with related issues e.g. debt

6. Our approach
Stage 1 - Build relationships with Job Centre Plus offices
Stage 2 – Get weekly DWP outreach sessions in place with each Job Centre with support of local councils
Stage 3 - Build partnerships with other service providers
Stage 4 - Co-locate advice provision with DWP sessions
Stage 5 - Develop service at other community venues

7. Challenges The more sites we operate the higher the cost
Volunteer numbers – more sites needs more volunteers
Accessing IT locally is difficult
Increased competition for funds
Monitoring overheads to justify funding are growing