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Universal Credit Digital System roll-out starts May 2016 - be prepared!

Good morning, My bulletin of 4th December http://universalcreditadvice.com/housing-associations/2015/12/universal-credit—digital-system-on-its-way advised of DWP’s plan to start the “Digital System” rollout implementation from May 2016. In the past few days, DWP has confirmed its digital system, will proceed, as planned, and will be rolled out, between May – July 2016 in 5 Job Centre…

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Housing Benefit cuts - Starting April 2016!

Good afternoon, In an earlier bulletin, I alluded to a range of planned changes to Universal Credit & Housing Benefit which are primarily designed to save money, whilst supposedly aligning Housing Benefit rules with those applying to Universal Credit. The following statutory instrument: The Housing Benefit (Abolition of the Family Premium…

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Universal Credit - How to pursue Queries & Complaints!

Good morning, My recent bulletin, highlighting problems with the Non-secure APA process http://universalcreditadvice.com/ha/2016/07/dwp-introduce-variation-to-non-secure-e-mail-procedure—high-importance has prompted many of our members to seek further advice on how best to: Query an APAs receipt and progress; and Make a formal complaint about DWP mishandling of an application or failure to adequately explain its…

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DWP introduce variation to NON-SECURE e-mail procedure - HIGH IMPORTANCE!

Good morning, Our December 2015 bulletin http://universalcreditadvice.com/ha/2015/12/alternative-payment-arrangements—new-non-secure-e-mail-procedure—high-importance advised you of the DWP’s new e-mail facility. Designed to replace the original procedure, which required paper applications for APAs, sent by post, to the Mail Opening Unit (MOU) in Woverhampton, the electronic option was welcomed by Social and Private Landlords alike, as…

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Universal Credit - Changes to Working Allowance

Good morning, When Universal Credit was first unveiled, one of its key objectives was to “make work pay”. In other words, claimants would be duly incentivised to work by being allowed to earn, a fixed sum, without their benefits being docked, £ for £. Initially, there was some truth to…

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Benefits Cap changes - affected tenants being notified!

Good morning, The DWP has started the process of identifying and notifying tenants likely to be adversely affected by the reduction in Benefits Cap threshholds. For a full briefing look here Those affected should receive a letter from the DWP, sometime between 24 May and 10 June, 2016. The letter…

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Universal Credit- Its component parts explained!

Good morning, Given all the recent changes affecting Universal Credit we’ve updated our introductory pack which members have used when compiling briefings and leaflets for staff, committee members and tenant forums. It should be especially helpful to new staff, members and those who offer advice and support to tenants and/or…

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