Universal Credit is gradually replacing six existing benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment, supporting people who are on low income or out of work.
Universal Credit is flexible, making it easier to take part-time and short-term jobs as a stepping stone into work without worrying about losing out. It tops up your earnings to make sure you’re better off in work, and claims don’t close just because you work over a certain number of hours.
Beverley Tucker, from Birmingham, claimed Universal Credit in December. Her work coach referred her to a care sector training course. At this time, Beverley was at a really low point and the interview was an opportunity for her to build her confidence.
The jobs on offer were for flexible contracts with the hours changing week to week. Her work coach explained to Beverley how flexible Universal Credit is and how it would top up her earnings no matter how many hours she worked.
Beverley was offered the job and has continued to receive support from Universal Credit since then which has allowed her to get back into work without worrying about her finances. She didn’t get offered many shifts at first but she knew she would receive her Universal Credit payments until she could stand on her own two feet.
Beverley says, “I am really enjoying the job! I am being offered more shifts and my employer is even paying for me to do my level 3 training, which would be very expensive if I had to pay for it myself. This will really improve my future prospects and has made me much more optimistic about the future.”
To find out more about Universal Credit, go to www.gov.uk/openingupwork
