New-look benefit expands coverage

JOBSEEKERS across three more areas of Greater Manchester can now claim Universal Credit following the success of a pilot scheme in Oldham.

Cheetham Hill, Newton Heath and Wythenshawe have been added to the areas providing the Government’s flagship benefit. Universal credt has replaced six existing benefits — income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, income support, working tax credit, child tax credit and housing benefit — with a single monthly payment.

Oldham, one of first in the country to offer UC, has more than 2,800 people claiming the new benefit.

Research from Oldham and other pilot areas showed claimants did more to look for jobs than those claiming under the current system, spending twice as many hours a week looking for work.

More information can be found at www.gov.uk/universal-credit