When will universal credit start?

RootA

Is there a date yet when it will be rolled out everywhere? Are their any final details, or is it still open to change the last few details?

UnderPressure

According to this:

https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/simplifying-the-welfare-system-and-making-sure-work-pays/supporting-pages/introducing-universal-credit

The national roll our BEGINS October 2013

sammyjammy

Two more offices roll out next month (they are currently doing Claimant commitments only), there is currently a review taking place by the new Head of Project, even those of us working on it don't know what the future holds.

Roota_2

theartfullodger wrote: »

There are serious doubts over the readiness of IT systems, training & staff to operate UC.

My betting is it will take at least 5 years to be fully rolled out.. We will see!

5 years :eek: By then the next government will have come up with whatever replaces it. Then another 5 years to roll out that new one. By which time..........

osdset

Once the DWP manage to find enough staff that can calculate complicated equations using a notepad and pencil.

Horseunderwater

osdset wrote: »

Once the DWP manage to find enough staff that can calculate complicated equations using a notepad and pencil.

To be honest that would be quicker - so do not go giving them ideas.

RootA

I wish there was a simple way to try and get your head round the changes and how it will affect you. Is there a good link explaining it all in simple terms?

NPowerUser

Am I right in thinking that the big winners in all of this are couples with no children working fewer hours than required under the old working tax credit rules?

E.g working childless couples with just the one bread winner working say 22 hours a week will now qualify for the new Universal Credit?

SolidShot

thor wrote: »

but didn't IDS come out with a cast iron guarantee that NO ONE who was claiming tax credits would be worse off under UC when he was selling the new benefit? No wonder politicians have such a bad rep as liars.

So what is the latest? How much will the cuts affect the average family? What will be the knock on effect to the wider economy?

Housing_Benefit_Officer

And in 5 years time goodbye all Local Authority Housing Benefit Departments and hello to a centralised call centre where you will never speak to the same person twice - if you can get through that is.

Although we will still be administering Local Council Tax Support - I'm hoping for redundancy as I will be quids in

Sensemaya

Housing_Benefit_Officer wrote: »

And in 5 years time goodbye all Local Authority Housing Benefit Departments and hello to a centralised call centre where you will never speak to the same person twice - if you can get through that is.

Although we will still be administering Local Council Tax Support - I'm hoping for redundancy as I will be quids in

Crikey. Sounds like the CSA and we all know what they are like. Disaster.

Yes..go for redundancy. but keep posting.:D