“MP warns residents about Universal Credit”

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Categories: News

Local MP, Brendan O’Hara warns Argyll & Bute residents about the upcoming full service roll out of Universal Credit beginning on 19 September 2018.

As part of the full service roll out, “legacy benefits” such as, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Income related Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) will be replaced by Universal Credit.

After 19 September, new claimants will be unable to make a claim for “legacy benefits”, unless they are responsible for three or more children, or they or their partner has reached state pension age.

For those already in receipt of “legacy benefits”, it is expected that transition to Universal Credit will begin between July 2019 – March 2023.

Commenting, Mr O’Hara said, “It is no secret that my SNP colleagues and I have consistently called for a halt to the roll out of Universal Credit.”

“Despite overwhelming evidence of the devastating impact of Universal Credit is having on people across the UK, the UK Government have ignored all the warning signs and seem hell-bent on pursing their flag-ship Universal Credit project.”

“It is therefore my job to ensure that my constituents in Argyll & Bute are aware of the changes coming into force and to ensure that support is in place to help.”

“Following the roll out in September, I intend to hold Universal Credit surgeries to provide support and assistance to any constituents who are experiencing problems, or who need general advice on Universal Credit.”