UNIVERSAL Credit is now available to more claimants across Girvan.

The aim is to ensure that Girvan Universal Credit will now support all claimant types, including people with disabilities, families and low earners, as well as jobseekers

Families on Universal Credit who move into work can claim back up to 85 per cent of their eligible childcare costs, potentially boosting their finances by over £13,000 a year.

From April, families and disabled people on Universal Credit in work keep more of what they earn. As of last week more people across Girvan will benefit from a tailored welfare system, receiving additional support to move into and progress within work. 

This comes as the Universal Credit service expands to people in and out of work, those on low incomes, families, and those with disabilities.

It also helps those who are in work to increase their hours and earnings.

Universal Credit replaces six benefits with one monthly payment and is already being claimed in Girvan by over 120 single jobseekers. As of last week anyone in Girvan who would previously have made a claim to

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income support, Working and Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit will instead claim Universal Credit.

Minister for Employment Alok Sharma said: “In Girvan single jobseekers are already receiving support from their dedicated work coach to find employment or increase their hours and earnings.

“Now, all types of claimants will be able to benefit from the improved, personalised, one-to-one support that Universal Credit offers.”

Lynne Walker, local Jobcentre Plus Employer and Partnership Manager said: “Universal Credit offers tailored support, which includes more personalised help from a work coach.

"The new system is also more flexible, which means people can take on short-term work to develop their skills and build up their experience. 

"We’d encourage anyone who needs extra help or information to come and talk to their work coach.”

Those on Universal Credit will now have 24-hour access to an online account that they can use to manage their claim.