{"id":44391,"date":"2014-06-30T14:33:00","date_gmt":"2014-06-30T14:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=489fa981756b0df1c228a4208f215a8a"},"modified":"2014-07-16T10:56:47","modified_gmt":"2014-07-16T10:56:47","slug":"press-release-universal-credit-to-take-the-first-new-claims-for-couples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=44391","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Universal Credit to take the first new claims for couples"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated:<\/em> Corrected inaccuracy in the press release about Universal Credit and couples.<\/p>\n

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Hot on the heels of the further expansion of Universal Credit (UC<\/abbr>) to the north west of England, couple claims will be accepted in 5 of the existing sites.<\/p>\n

As part of the government\u2019s long-term economic plan, Universal Credit makes the welfare system simpler by replacing 6 benefits and tax credits with a single monthly household payment. It includes support for the costs of housing, children and childcare, as well as support for disabled people and carers. <\/p>\n

From today Hammersmith, Bath, Rugby, Harrogate and Inverness will take new claims from couples as well as those from single people. Other sites in the north west of England and Wales will also make this change from this summer. <\/p>\n

Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud said:<\/p>\n

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Universal Credit is transforming people\u2019s lives and is available in a growing number of areas. Today we take on the first new claims from couples.<\/p>\n

With Universal Credit we are redefining the contract between claimants and the welfare state and helping to make work pay as part of the government\u2019s long-term economic plan. Couples will be expected to both look for work and will be supported to increase their hours and earnings by our work coaches.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Universal Credit also goes live in 5 more jobcentres in the north west of England today \u2013 Southport, Crosby, Bootle, Bolton and Farnworth. <\/p>\n

Existing Universal Credit claims made when a person is single can already have a partner added if the claimant\u2019s circumstances change. Each partner will have their own Claimant Commitment drawn up with a Jobcentre work coach. It sets out the responsibilities each has accepted in return for receiving Universal Credit, and explains what could happen if they don\u2019t do what they\u2019ve agreed.<\/p>\n

In areas where Universal Credit is not yet available, jobseekers are already benefiting from other aspects of the cultural transformation it brings, including:<\/p>\n