May 13th 2024.
Attention all Universal Credit recipients, listen up! Changes are being made to the system, and it may require you to put in some extra hours at work. Starting on Monday, if you currently work less than 18 hours a week and receive Universal Credit, you will now be expected to seek additional employment.
This alteration is part of the government's efforts to revamp the welfare system, and it involves raising the threshold from 15 to 18 hours per week. According to the Department of Work and Pensions, approximately 180,000 individuals in the UK will be affected by this change. The new rules apply to those earning below £892 a month or £1,437 for couples, up from the previous amounts of £617 for individuals and £988 for couples.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his support for the adjustments, stating that they will assist more individuals in transitioning into well-paying jobs and achieving financial independence. He believes that this is beneficial for both the individuals and the economy as a whole. However, it is estimated that around 180,000 people may be impacted by these changes.
Mr. Sunak also emphasized that welfare should only serve as a safety net, not a lifestyle choice. Those who are struggling to meet the new requirements will need to utilize the resources available at the Jobcentre, or they risk losing their benefits. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride also chimed in, stating that they will always support those who are willing to work hard and are committed to progress. She hopes that these reforms will help thousands of people move away from relying on benefits and towards achieving financial independence.
However, not everyone is in favor of these changes. The charity Turn2Us is calling on the government to reconsider, stating that it could have a devastating impact on individuals with long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities, or irregular incomes. Meanwhile, in other news, an 80-year-old man is on a quest to revive a 1,000-year-old British language, a man and woman were brutally beaten in the street, and there's a warning about flu-like symptoms after a recall was issued for chilled food. Additionally, a man who murdered his girlfriend and three children has now been accused of smashing another inmate's skull.
In more recent news, Mr. Sunak announced a welfare reform plan, which includes reviewing payments for those with mental health conditions. However, this has sparked accusations of a full-on assault on disabled individuals. On a brighter note, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis is urging households earning less than £60,000 to check if they are eligible for Universal Credit. This comes after a report revealed that a staggering £8 billion in Universal Credit has gone unclaimed in the past year. So, make sure to do your research and see if you qualify for this additional support. Stay informed and stay safe, everyone.
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