Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
World
Liam Thorp & Alexander Brock

The important Universal Credit changes being introduced this month

Major changes to the Universal Credit benefit system are coming into effect this month.

The system has faced heavy criticism since it began but the Government says new changes being introduced have been designed to make it easier for claimants.

From this month onwards, the maximum amount that can be taken out of a claimant's Universal Credit payments will be reduced from 40% to 30%, Liverpool Echo reports.

Deductions can be taken out of someone's Universal Credit entitlement for a number of reasons, including recovering debts and sanctions.

This means if you're currently affected by the 40% rate, you will start to receive more money every month from now on.

When benefit payments and universal credit will be paid over Christmas and New Year 2019

Another big change is that claimants now have extra time to apply for refunds on money they have spent on childcare previously.

Working parents now have an additional month to claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs with Universal Credit.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies said: "Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, and that’s before something unexpected happens like a trip to the hospital or having to stay late at work.

"We are determined to support families to balance work-life and parenthood.

"Allowing an extra month-long assessment period for people to report their childcare costs means people shouldn’t have to worry about missing out on crucial payments they are entitled to."

For the latest news in and around Bristol, visit and bookmark Bristol Live's homepage

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.