Universal Credit pilots to see jobseekers apply online for single benefit

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the go-early Universal Credit pilots - which will take place in the North West next April - will see new claimants apply online for the single benefit.

The DWP announced today that four areas in Greater Manchester and Cheshire – Tameside, Oldham, Wigan and Warrington - will take part in pathfinder projects which will see up to 1,500 new Universal Credit claimants coming on stream across the four areas.

Universal Credit will replace six income-related benefits, including housing benefit, from October 2013 and will see claimants receive a single monthly payment.

Those that apply for jobseekers' allowance in the four pilot areas from April will be put on to Universal Credit and will apply and manage their account online.

A DWP spokesperson said provision will be made for those without internet access.

The spokesperson said: "Those not able to use the internet will be able to go to local outlets to get support like jobcentres, local authorities or other places. They will get support to make an application.”

The spokesperson added that the pilots intend to move people over so they become "digitally able".

In terms of funding, the DWP said councils were not set to be funded during the projects because they were expected to use services they already delivered, but that it had set aside £200,000 in case extra services were necessary during the pilots.