THE rollout of Universal Credit, the new form of benefit support, has now been fully implemented in West Devon.

This means that any working age resident who needs to claim Income Support, income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, income related Employment Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit will now have to make a claim for Universal Credit, unless they have three or more children, live in temporary accommodation or supported accommodation.

Cllr Tony Leach, lead member for health and well-being at West Devon Borough Council, said: ‘Universal Credit has been rolled out slowly for all new claimants over the last two years around the country, area by area.

‘From this week, unless you are a pensioner, have three or more children, live in temporary accommodation or live in supported accommodation, you will be applying for Universal Credit.

‘You will only need to apply for Universal Credit if you are making a new claim. Existing claimants will continue on their existing benefits for now and don’t need to do anything unless there is a change in circumstances.

‘As the application process is online, support for claimants who have not used an online claim form before is available from West Devon Borough Council.

‘Claimants can access this support by visiting the council’s offices at Kilworthy Park in Tavistock or by calling 01822 813600.’

Universal Credit is administered by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) claims are made online and payments will be made in one single, monthly payment.

Partnership manager for the Department for Works and Pensions Jacki Williams said: ‘Job Centre Plus is really pleased to be working with West Devon Borough Council and Citizens Advice to ensure everyone has the help and support they need to make their Universal Credit claim and manage their monthly payments.’

Some new claimants in the Tavistock area have been claiming Universal Credit since January of this year.

Nikki Chaplin, supervisor at Tavistock Citizens Advice, said: ‘We have had to offer additional support to some clients who are unused to using computers or smart phones.

‘For some people it’s also a big change because they are so used to getting their money weekly — with Universal Credit the money is paid monthly so we are able to provide budgeting support to people who are struggling with this.

‘We have also had a number of clients who still have an entitlement to contribution-based benefits, new-style jobseekers allowance and new-style employment support allowance, who have had difficulties making claims since Universal Credit started.

‘We would urge anyone who is confused about their entitlement or who wants to know more about any benefits to visit their local Citizens Advice office for support.’

To contact Citizens Advice, claimants can call 03444111444 or visit www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk

There are also drop-in sessions at Tavistock and Okehampton offices.