New benefit is rolled out in Oldham

BENEFIT claiming Oldhamers will experience the new Universal Credit system from today .

The new system replaces Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

Claimants input all their details online and the payment is slowly reduced if they find work.

Universal Credit was launched in Ashton 10 weeks ago and is being rolled out across the country over the next few months.

The first claimants to receive Universal Credit in Oldham will be single jobseekers.