Welfare reform info

[Booboo]

Just a bit of a ramble. Largely incoherent as I've just spent the day at a WR conference. My head is a bag of mush.

Just a little info for those on JSA who will soon be moving to Universal Credit.

The DWP will be expecting claimants to find full time work. 35 hours at minimum wage.
If a claimant finds a part time job - say 16 hours per week, they will still have to demonstrate that they are actively seeking work - get another part time job - to make up the hours to 35.

When a claimant moves on to Universal Credit, they will only be getting the allowance for a month at a time - which is paid in arrears. If, during that month they find work, they will not be entitled to the previous days, weeks benefit. Does that make sense?
So, if A claims Universal Credit on the 1st May, then finds work on the 20th - they will not receive any Universal Credit ( old JSA part) from the start of their claim.

I've more to add to this. However, I've left my paperwork in the car.

[dls]

If it is anywhere like here, the trip back to the car will be a little cold just now, but just fro us . .

[Hairyloon]

If a claimant finds a part time job - say 16 hours per week, they will still have to demonstrate that they are actively seeking work - get another part time job - to make up the hours to 35.

Where is the sense in that when there is such a huge shortage of jobs?
Are they doing anything to help people make a start on their own business... or perhaps a better question is are they doing any less to hinder such endeavors?

When a claimant moves on to Universal Credit, they will only be getting the allowance for a month at a time - which is paid in arrears. If, during that month they find work, they will not be entitled to the previous days, weeks benefit. Does that make sense?

If you have made sense and I understand it, then it makes no sense whatsoever... unless they really are trying to scrabble pennies from those with the least, which may of course be the case.

[Booboo]

I can't answer those questions H. They are for those who who have made these decisions.
There are many aspects of the welfare reform that are still written in pencil.

For those who have been on benefit for 26 weeks will receive a loan to help them until they get their first wage - but it will have to be paid back within a certain time frame.
I'll get back to that point at some stage. Head is still mushy.

Social fund payments will be coming out of the LA pot. The fund is 200k less than it was last year in Booville.
Claimants will no longer receive money. They will now get vouchers.
Ration book style?

Claimants who receive their benefit through a Post Office Card account will now have to open a bank account or have a Pay Point card issued.
The trouble with a Pay point card is, shops will not have a float of hundreds/thousands to pay out to claimants.

People who cannot budget on the small amount of benefits they receive already will have serious problems adjusting to getting £1000+ in their hands on a monthly basis.

Addicts in or out of recovery will have tremendous issues thinking of tomorrow when a large amount of cash is in their pocket.

I foresee more crime. Certainly more cannabis and Heroin on the streets.

I have concerns about those who lead nomadic lives and do not have ID. They will have problems getting a bank account.

What was interesting yesterday, is that those who don't work for the JCP or LA are now focused so hard on keeping an eye on the welfare reform changes out of necessity.
I'm just a humble MHN.

[Hairyloon]

I can't answer those questions H.

I don't expect you to. I am kind of thinking aloud.

Social fund payments will be coming out of the LA pot. The fund is 200k less than it was last year in Booville.
Claimants will no longer receive money. They will now get vouchers.
Ration book style?

This is just the social fund payments? I can see some sense to that.

Claimants who receive their benefit through a Post Office Card account will now have to open a bank account or have a Pay Point card issued.

What is the problem with the post office?

People who cannot budget on the small amount of benefits they receive already will have serious problems adjusting to getting £1000+ in their hands on a monthly basis.

I'm sure the payday loans companies and pawnbrokers will step in...

Addicts in or out of recovery will have tremendous issues thinking of tomorrow when a large amount of cash is in their pocket.

I defer to your greater experience, but will they? Surely a lot of them will binge on their chosen addiction and stop thinking altogether... in many cases permanently.
I suppose that is one way to cut the number of claimants, but not one I voted for.

[Booboo]

What is the problem with the post office?

The Post Office Card that most claimants use for benefit payments does not allow for direct debits and standing orders.

I'm sure the payday loans companies and pawnbrokers will step in...

Yes. This was mentioned at the conference. They will do well, as will bailiff companies.

Surely a lot of them will binge on their chosen addiction and stop thinking altogether... in many cases permanently.
I suppose that is one way to cut the number of claimants, but not one I voted for.

I know my client group. The hardened substance abusers will buy in bulk and sell - as well as use more. They'll not be used to having wads of cash in their pockets. Street drugs will come first. Then they'll need to find their rent/council tax, tv licence, utility bill money from somewhere.

My chronic alcoholic clients will die, earlier than expected.