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Money Box Live: Universal Credit

Universal credit was meant to simplify the benefits system. Instead it has been plagued by controversy, especially over delays in paying claimants. What is your experience of it?

What’s your experience of the biggest change ever made to the benefits system? Universal Credit - which is being gradually introduced across the UK - is supposed to make things simpler, by merging six benefits into one single payment. But it's been plagued by controversy, especially over delays in paying claimants, causing severe hardship in some cases.

In Budget 2018, the Chancellor introduced new measures designed to improve the system. These include increasing the amount of money people can earn before their benefits are reduced and allowing two weeks extra benefits for those moving from the old system to the new. But will it be enough to solve the problems? How might this extra help benefit you?

If you have been affected by Universal Credit, do share your story by calling 03700 100 444. Lines open from 1pm on Wednesday 14 November. You can email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox

Guests:
Sarah Hayle, Welfare rights adviser, Community Law Service, Northampton and County
Angela Marke, Head of Advice Quality, Advising Communities
David Samson, welfare benefits specialist, Turn2Us

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Sally Abrahams

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28 minutes

Last on

Wed 14 Nov 2018 15:00

Broadcast

  • Wed 14 Nov 2018 15:00

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