Universal credit is happening now!
Survey
Fill in the Section 3 – Q1 on survey. HelloQsand Remaining to bewelcome filled in aftereveryone this presentation. Libby Dodd, Customer Involvement Officer Jay Mahmud, Senior Advice and Support Worker Friday 11 November 2016
New Working Age Benefit paid monthly in arrears Replacing 6 other means tested benefits: • Income Support • Income Based Job Seekers Allowance • Income related Employment Support Allowance • Child Tax Credit • Working Tax Credit • Housing Benefit But Contributions based Employment and Support Allowance and Contributions based Jobseekers Allowance still exist
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To better support people to move into employment
• Simplification and integration of off theinbenefit • Ensure people are better work than on system benefits • Reduce admin cost and provide VFM for tax payer • Targeted at those in or out of work or sick or carer • Online administration • One monthly payments in arrears • Can claim as a couple • Rent element paid to the tenant
Applicants no longer receive Housing Benefit to cover housing costs. Applicants need to pay their rent themselves from ONE monthly payment directly to the landlord. Applicants MUST remember to make a separate claim for Council Tax support as this is not included in the UC benefit claim!
Claimants in supported accommodation will claim HB for housing costs, UC for personal allowance and make a CTS claim as well
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When applicants make a claim the DWP will tell them what their assessment period is. Applicants will receive their first payment 7 days after the end of their assessment period. The assessment period will not change from then on. The regular monthly payment from then on will be 7 days after the last day of the assessment period.
After applicants have received their first UC payment they need to pay their rent every month 7 days after the end of their assessment period.
Having a bank account is crucial. Applicants need a bank account to receive UC. After applicants have received their first UC payment they need to set up a direct debit to pay their rent every month 7 days after the end of their assessment period. YHN can help customers to get a bank account even if they have had problems.
Stay and talk to us about any questions and queries you have. We can help you right now to: set up an email address get a bank account look at reducing your energy costs
Universal Credit in Newcastle
Live Service: “Gateway” - rolled out to single JSA applicants from April 2015 in 3 Newcastle Jobcentres. Full Service: “Digital” - introduced from 25 May 2016 for new claimants or those with a change of circumstances to all 6 benefits living in City Jobcentre postcodes.
GATEWAY GATEWAY: Gateway In order order to to claim claim under under Gateway: Gateway: In
• • • • • •
– Be living in a postcode area covered by Gateway area Be living in aperson postcode area covered by Gateway area – Be a single Be a single – Be aged 18person – 60.5YRS Be aged 18claimant – 60.5 – Be a new Be a new – Be fit for claimant work Be fit British for work – Be and residing in UK for 2 years prior to claim (and not be out of UK Befor British and residing in UK for 2 years prior to claim (and not be over 4wks) out of UK for overInsurance 4wks) Number – Have a National Have a aNational Insurance Number – Have bank account Have a bank account – Declare that do you not expect to earn more than £330 pm Declare that do you not expect to earn more than £330 pm – Declare you have no more than £6k in capital
• • • • Declare you have no more than £6k in capital
GATEWAY: Gateway And in order to claim you must not: • Be pregnant or have been pregnant within the last 15 weeks prior to the date of UC claim • Be in possession of or awaiting a statement of fitness for work or qualify as currently having limited capability for work And in order to claim you must not: • Be entitled to IS/JSA/ESA/IB/DLA/PIP (but getting HB/TC is ok) Be pregnant have been pregnant within the last 15 weeks prior to • Be–awaiting outcome ofor a decision regarding IS/JSA/ESA/HB/TC (PIP is ok) • Be seeking a revision concerning the date of UC claim IS/JSA/ESA/HB (PIP is ok) • Be appealing a decision concerning IS/JSA/ESA (note HB and PIP not on list) – caring Be inresponsibilities possessionforofchildren or awaiting a statement of fitness for work or • Have or be paying child maintenance qualify as currently havingis limited capability for work • Be a carer (volunteer or paid employee ok) • Be self employed or have intention to be within first month after UC claim Be occupier, entitledlive to inIS/JSA/ESA/IB/DLA/PIP (but getting HB/TC is ok) • Be–owner supported or temporary accommodation ,live with a member of the armed forces, be homeless. – Be awaiting outcome of a decision regarding IS/JSA/ESA/HB/TC (PIP • Be a student or have intention to be within first month after UC claim ok) or member of a limited company partnership • Be an is appointee •
– Be seeking a revision concerning IS/JSA/ESA/HB (PIP is ok)
If any of the above apply and you live in a Gateway post code you will instead continue to claim a “legacy” (ie Income Support, JSA, ESA, tax credits,HB) – Bebenefit appealing a decision concerning IS/JSA/ESA (note HB and PIP not
on list)
Gateway GATEWAY: And in order to claim you must not: • Be pregnant or have been pregnant within the last 15 weeks prior to the date of UC claim • Be in possession of or awaiting a statement of fitness for work or qualify as currently having limited capability for work – Have caring responsibilities for children or be paying child • Be entitled to IS/JSA/ESA/IB/DLA/PIP (but getting HB/TC is ok) maintenance • Be awaiting outcome of a decision regarding IS/JSA/ESA/HB/TC (PIP is ok) • Be–seeking revision(volunteer concerning IS/JSA/ESA/HB (PIP is ok) Be aa carer or paid employee is ok) • Be appealing a decision concerning IS/JSA/ESA (note HB and PIP not on list) – caring Be self employedfororchildren haveorintention to bemaintenance within first month after UC • Have responsibilities be paying child claim • Be a carer (volunteer or paid employee is ok) • Be self employed or have intention to be within first month after UC claim Be occupier, owner occupier, liveorintemporary supported or temporary accommodation • Be–owner live in supported accommodation ,live with a member of the ,live armedwith forces, homeless. a be member of the armed forces, be homeless. • Be a student or have intention to be within first month after UC claim a student or have intention to partnership be within first month after UC claim • Be–an Be appointee or member of a limited company •
– Be an appointee or member of a limited company partnership
If any of the above apply and you live in a Gateway post code you will instead continue to claim a “legacy” benefit Income Support, JSA, ESA, tax credits,HB) – If any of(iethe above apply and you live in a Gateway post code you will
instead continue to claim a “legacy” benefit (Income Support, JSA, ESA, tax credits, HB)
FULL Service SERVICE: Full • • • •
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– Covers Post Codes for City Centre Job Centre from the 25 May. Covers Codes City of Centre Job (not Centre the 25th of May – NewPost claims for allfortypes claimant justfrom job seekers) – no filters, New claimswho for all types of claimant (not just jobtoseekers) – noclaim filters,for so people people would have previously needed make a new whoHB,JSA,IS, would havetax previously needed to make a newtoclaim HB,JSA,IS, tax credits and ESA will now need claimfor UC. credits ESA will to claimand UC) – Onlyand exception is now EEAneed jobseekers their families – claim legacy (keep Only exception is EEA jobseekers and their families – claim legacy (keep checking) checking) – Mixed age couples where one is a pensioner can choose between UC Mixed is a pensioner can choose between UC out and is PC andage PCcouples (and it’swhere likelyone to remain this way until all other UC roll (and it’s likely to remain this way until all other UC roll out is complete) complete) Full Service means the the claim, initial acceptance of the claimant commitment, – Full Service means claim, initial acceptance of the claimant changes of circumstances job search activity and account commitment, changes ofreporting, circumstances reporting, job search activity and management are all carried online (as to Gateway where only account management are out all carried outopposed online (as opposed to Gateway the where claim was online) only done the claim was done online) More limited faceface to face claimant contact withwith job job centre – More limited to face claimant contact centre.
FULL SERVICE: POST CODES NE1 1
NE2 1
NE3 5
NE1 2
NE2 2
NE3 9
NE1 3
NE2 3
NE5 3
NE1 4
NE2 4
NE5 4
NE1 5
NE3 1
NE13 7
NE1 6
NE3 2
NE13 8
NE1 7
NE3 3
NE13 9
NE1 8
NE3 4
NE18 0
GATEWAY Newcastle 2017: Gateway In order to claim under Gateway:
From Feb 2017 Full Service will apply to those living in the • Be living in a postcode area covered by Gateway area covered • Bearea a single personby Newcastle East Jobcentre, Coquet • Be aged 18 – 60.5 House. (Newcastle East) • Be a new claimant • Be fit for work • Be British and residing in UK for 2 years prior to claim (and not be From 20174wks) Full Service will apply to those living in out ofMarch UK for over • Have a National Insurance the area covered by Number Newcastle West Jobcentre, • Have a bank account Condercum West) • Declare that do you not House. expect to(Newcastle earn more than £330 pm • Declare you have no more than £6k in capital
GATEWAY Newcastle 2017: Gateway In order to claim under Gateway:
From Feb 2017 Full Service will apply to those living in the • Be living in a postcode area covered by Gateway area covered • Bearea a single personby Newcastle East Jobcentre, Coquet • Be aged 18 – 60.5 House. (Newcastle East) • Be a new claimant • Be fit for work • Be British and residing in UK for 2 years prior to claim (and not be From 20174wks) Full Service will apply to those living in out ofMarch UK for over • Have a National Insurance the area covered by Number Newcastle West Jobcentre, • Have a bank account Condercum House.to(Newcastle West) • Declare that do you not expect earn more than £330 pm • Declare you have no more than £6k in capital
What could trigger a Full Service claim?
• If you are already on universal credit as a single person. • If you make a new claim for one of the 6 legacy benefits. • If you are claiming a legacy benefit and your circumstances change. Change in Circumstances: Changes to employment, family make-up, household make-up, jury service, ending full time education what_triggers_a_claim_for_universal_credit_in_a_full_service_area_sept16.pdf
Non NonDependent Dependent Deductions Deductions – Now called Housing Cost Contribution • Now called Housing Cost Contribution – Exempt from HCC if registered blind/mid or higher care DLA/Daily Living PIP/AA from HCC if registered blind/mid or higher care • Exempt – No HCC forLiving following:PIP/AA DLA/Daily – Under 21/lone parent with child under 5, on PC, mid/high DLA care, Daily • NoLiving HCC for following: PIP/AA – Under 21/lone 25 with no parent earnings with child under 5, on PC, • Under – Flat rate £69.37 for each nonLiving dep mid/high DLA pm care, Daily PIP/AA – Students turning 21 will now be subject to HCC • Under 25 with no earnings • Flat rate £69.37 pm for each non dep • Students turning 21 will now be subject to HCC
UC Challenges Problems Claims are not been processed as quickly as promised, this may leave families without any money. Real Time Information: (HMRC give the DWP details about your wages
Advice / Help Food Banks as well as Fairshare, Connect 25 are useful and will deliver fresh items Short Term Benefit Advance (STBA)
Be aware it is not reliably working a present you will still need to get someone who is working to provide their wage slips whenever they get them and scan them in and put a note on the journal to this effect.
UC Challenges Problems Problems for BME communities and refugees:
Advice / Help http://www.24housing.co.uk/news/bme-communitiesdisproportionately-impacted-by-universal-credit/ Lack of housing history, personal information, credit information – will fail verifications and need verification appointments ton finish their claim.
Verification appointments
you have 7 days to book from making the claim and you need to book separate appointments for joint claimants where they both need verification.
UC Challenges Problems Lack of bank accounts
Housing Costs are not been added to the claim straightaway
Advice / Help current workaround is to put 6 0’s in for sort code and 8 0’s in for account number in order to proceed on the form. Claimant must then be booked in for an appointment with a bank for an account opening asap. Then update the journal with the info once you have bank account details. This will cause rent arrears. Customer landlord relationship is crucial – we need to know what is going on and that a claim has been made.
UC Challenges Problems Reaching and helping hard to reach customers. How can we get people to help themselves?
Advice / Help Behavioural changes: YHN looking at ways to encourage behavioural change, looking at what others are doing to encourage this. Updated our website to include Recite. Moved UC specialist staff into Job Centres to build links Trying to build links with professionals better placed to engage with our customers who see their landlord as a barrier. Offering the right level of support, tiered approach ‘hand holding’ where needed. Moved housing management into specialisms to target customers better. Setting up emails and bank accounts for them. Additional help and support
Help and Support
Government recognises that some people will need Support and has introduced some measures: Alternative Payment Arrangements Personal Budgeting Support Shot Term Advances Discretionary Payments http://www.24housing.co.uk/news/universal-credit-forcing-landlords-into-evictions/
STA ––short STBA shortterm termbenefit benefitadvances advances • • • • • • • • • • •
– Interest loan against a likely awardofofUC UC Interest freefree loan against a likely award – Payable pending new claim changeofofcircs circsorormigration migration Payable pending new claim oror change – Must be likely to be entitled, hardshipand andable abletotorepay repay Must be likely to be entitled, in in hardship – STA agreed – payable within 72 hours STA agreed – payable within 72 hours – STA = likely to be 50% of likely entitlement but subject to cap of 40% of standard STAallowance = likely tox6be 50% of likely entitlement but subject to cap of 40% of standard allowance 6 – 6 monthx recovery period (new/change of circs) or 12 months (migration) 6–month recovery period circs) or 12 months (migration) Recovery rates – 15% (new/change (if not working)of25% (if working) 40% (fraud) Recovery rates –refuse 15% a(ifrequest not working) 25% (if working) 40% (fraud) – DWP cannot after 21 days DWP requestif after – Nocannot generalrefuse right ofa appeal refuse21 days No right of appeal if refuse – general Simply ring DWP for a STBA Simply ring DWP forapply a STBA – If refused – then for Crisis Support through the Council If refused – then apply for Crisis Support through the Council
Note of caution – it will include housing costs (if applicable) so Note of caution –make it willsure include coststhe (if applicable) so make thehousing tenant pays rent! sure the tenant pays the rent!
DWP https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
Money Advice Service https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner
Turn2Us https://www.turn2us.org.uk/?gclid=CM354aXJ688CFSMW0wodx_IOBw
Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/
NCC https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/benefits-and-council-tax/welfare-rights-and-money-advice/upcoming-changes-to-the-benefit-system/universal-credit
YHN https://www.yhn.org.uk/i-need-support/governments-benefit-changes/universal-credit/
Gingerbread Guide https://gingerbread.org.uk/content/1938/Getting-ready-for-universal-credit#Universal_Credit
YHN and Digital Support YHN andNCC NCC Digital Support: Email Go Digital WiFiGo Digital WiFi YHN website YHN website NCC website NCC website Get online Help Online help Get online Help
Go Digital – Free WiFi Go Digital – Free WiFi
YHN Website
Newcastle City Council Website
Help in reducing energy bills… YHN UC help • Warm Home Discounts • NCC’s The Big Community Specialist Income staff in everySwitch Office Advice and Support Team • YHN Energy Champions Dedicated newsletter conta.cc/2dzBDsr •Easy YHN’s Energy of the Future Team read material Http://www.easy-read• Energy Best Deal – City Library online.co.uk/erdocs/yhn.aspx Facebook and Twitter page https://www.facebook.com/yourhomesnewcastle/
Help in reducing energy bills… Online Training • Warm Home Discounts Free internet taster sessions • NCC’s The Big Community Switch Free basic computer skills training courses • YHN Energy Universal credit one toChampions one appointments Techy of Teathe Parties • YHN’s Energy Future Team Skills Hub at City Library • Energy Best Deal – City Library Digital Champions – volunteering opportunities
Help in reducing energy bills… Household Help
• Warm Home Discounts Warm Home Discounts • NCC’sNCC’S The Big Community Energy ServicesSwitch YHN’s Energy of the Future Team • YHN Energy Champions Energy Best Deal – City Library • YHN’s Energy of the Future Team Northumbrian Water support • Energy BestuSwitch Deal – City Library
Why talk about energy efficiency Our Key Advice to Customers… when talking about benefit changes? Any change in circumstances is likely to lead to a claim. Oneenergy monthly payment includes yourreduce housing costs. • Being efficient can help you your energy It isreduce paid in arrears so planning is essential. costs and your household outgoings e.g. your
gas and electricity bills.
YOU need to pay your rent yourself YOU need to get a bank account – set up a direct debit get online – get an email address online • IfYOU youneed havetomore money in your pocket you and will manage if you need help better especiallytraining if the unexpected happens and you find DON’T forget to complete the Council Tax Support form yourself of work you areback claiming benefits. Makeout a claim asapand there is no date with UC!!!
Why talk about energy efficiency Our Key Learning Points… when talking about benefit changes? • Upskilling Professionals: • Being energy efficient can reduce your energy - Learn how to show people howhelp to setyou up and email address its really easy costs and reduce your household outgoings e.g. your - Find out how to get someone a bank account gas and electricity bills.
• Good Practice: Promotion of positive customer landlord relationship – manage • If -you have more money in your pocket you will communication is key better especially if the unexpected happens and you find - Council Tax support advocate - At the out very of least get toand gripsyou withare assessment periods yourself work claiming benefits. - Know where to signpost
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