MSE News: Benefits shake-up to introduce Universal Credits

Former_MSE_Guy

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"The Government has pledged the biggest overhaul of welfare in 60 years, saying 2.7m households will better off ..."

Read the full story:
Benefits shake-up to introduce Universal Credits

Kyresa

"better off"

Yeah, until you read the fine print probably!

"anyone over 90 with a child under 2 qualifies " or something like that most likely!

Prinzessilein

DLA is to be abolished and replaced by a new form of Personal Payments...My DLA award was 'indefinite' because the decision-maker (eventually) agreed that my condition is unlikely to ever improve. I wonder if all claimants in my situation will automatically be passed for the new payments? Somehow I doubt it. It looks like another opportunity for the government to move the goalposts and take money away from those who need it most.

Russe11

an increase of 3.13% for Jobseekers, so thats actually a decrease in real terms?

calleyw

Russe11 wrote: »

an increase of 3.13% for Jobseekers, so thats actually a decrease in real terms?

Lucky you. After 2 and half years I have had a 2.5% wage rise which is a whole 18p a hour.

But life goes on.

Yours

Calley

scootw1

Russe11 wrote: »

an increase of 3.13% for Jobseekers, so thats actually a decrease in real terms?

Public sector are on pay freeze for two years over £21000

Percy1983

"Our reforms will end the absurdity of a system where people too often get rewarded for doing the wrong thing, and those who strive to do the best by their families get penalised."

Thank goodness sense has been seen!

Tigsteroonie

Better off? Debatable.

I've just worked out that we are currently £35/week better off with me working than staying at home with Marley & the littl'un. I have to spend £15/wk of that on travel and lunch (bring my own).

So I am getting out of bed for £4 every day. The way I felt this morning, I could happily have sacrified today's £4 for the chance of sleeping a little longer.

Sixer

Document about Personal Payments (they feel regular reassessments are a good thing):

https://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-reform-wr2011-ia.pdf

Universal Credits:

https://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/universal-credit-wr2011-ia.pdf

Those who have been wondering about the capital rules coming in for tax credits - this is clearly something they've thought of and want to do - from the document:

"[Universal Credit will apply] a capital rule to child elements for people with capital of more than £16,000."

"The households with lower entitlements will tend to be claimants who are in one or more of the following categories;
• Those in receipt of a large amount of WTC;
• Those who do not receive HB/CTB;
• Those who have a low disregard;
•Households with substantial amounts of capital."

Blobby8_2

Well I would stay in bed, why do you get up ?

Sixer

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

Better off? Debatable.

I've just worked out that we are currently £35/week better off with me working than staying at home with Marley & the littl'un. I have to spend £15/wk of that on travel and lunch (bring my own).

So I am getting out of bed for £4 every day. The way I felt this morning, I could happily have sacrified today's £4 for the chance of sleeping a little longer.

I would agree that the costs of working (mostly fares/transport, but also clothes, etc) are going to make the 35p in the £1 retainment rate look singularly unattractive.