Universal Credit Pilot Goes Live

The government's Universal Credit pathfinder got off to a slow start in Ashton-under-Lyne, where single childless jobseekers with straightforward circumstances newly claiming benefits will receive the new benefit. Around 300 claims are expected in the first month.  To coincide with the launch of the pathfinder, the DWP have published a housing benefit circular on how changes of circumstances involving Universal Credit claimants will interact with the housing benefit system (for instance if a Universal Credit claimant becomes part of a couple with someone claiming housing benefit). The guidance highlights the complexity that will accompany the transition to the new system and the scope for unforseeable housing benefit overpayments, not to mention administrative error and claimant confusion. The circular states that tenants from the pathfinder with over two months rent arrears will be switched to direct rent payment automatically if referred by their landlord.  Download a copy of the circular from the DWP website.