UNIVERSAL Credit, the Government’s new benefit scheme, came into effect in Bordon last week.

The system, which has proved controversial with critics, was rolled out for all new claimants last Wednesday, October 24.

But existing claimants will not see their benefits change until next year.

“We have long said that we will take a slow and measured approach to managed migration,” a spokesman from the Department for Work and Pensions told the Herald.

“This will not begin in January 2019, but later in the year, after a period of preparation. For a further year we will then begin migration, working with a maximum of 10,000 people, continuing with our test-and-learn approach.

“This is to ensure the system is working well for claimants and to make any necessary adaptations as we go.

“We will publish full plans for the next stage of Universal Credit roll-out, including managed migration, in due course.”

Universal Credit is replacing six benefits with one monthly payment.

Anyone in Bordon and Alton who would previously have claimed Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or Housing Benefit will instead claim Universal Credit. Helen Drake, chief executive officer at Citizens Advice East Hampshire, said claimants who need any assistance should get in contact.

“Citizens Advice nationally has been highlighting, over the past year, some of the problems people have faced in areas where the benefit is already rolled out, particularly with claiming and changing from the current benefits to Universal Credit,” she explained.

“They include delays in making the first payment; adjusting to payment by calendar month rather than every two or four weeks; and applying and keeping in touch digitally.

“New local claimants, after October 25, will have to claim this Universal Credit. Anyone claiming one or more of the existing benefits will have to apply for it if their circumstances (such as level of income) change. Eventually all existing claimants will be required to change to Universal Credit.

“If you are uncertain about what these changes mean, or encounter problems in claiming Universal Credit or transferring from your current benefits, your local advisers and teams at Citizens Advice provide free, impartial and confidential help and advice.

“Visit our website at www.

citizensadvice.org.uk where you can get further information and help through a webchat. Alternatively, you could phone us on 03444 111 444 or drop in to one of our offices in Petersfield, Bordon or Alton.”

As part of a staged introduction across the UK, those already on benefits need do nothing until they hear from the Department of Work and Pensions about moving to Universal Credit, unless they have a change in circumstances, such as a new child, employment or change of address.

Applicants can look online and use the Citizens Advice eligibility checker, or book an interview at the local Jobcentre Plus, to see what they can claim. The Bordon office, in Chalet Hill, is open Monday to Thursday from 9am-12.15pm and from 1.30pm-4.30pm. The Universal Credit payment is made up of a standard allowance and any extra amounts that apply to claimants, such as if they: have children, have a disability or health condition which prevents them from working or need help paying rent.

On Monday, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a £1,000 increase in work allowances in Universal Credit and additional support for individuals moving on to the new benefit.