More than 17,000 people in Bristol claim Universal Credit, new figures have revealed.
In the south west there are almost 210,000 people now receiving support from Universal Credit.
In Bristol, there are a total of 17,461 claimants.
New data released this week, has revealed more than 2.8 million people are on Universal Credit in Britain – a jump of four per cent from the previous month.
Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said: “Universal Credit is helping to support thousands of people across the South West as they look for work.
“However many people are still not aware of additional entitlements they may be eligible for, such as help with childcare and half price travel on rail and bus services."
Universal Credit, which is available in every jobcentre across the UK, replaces six previous benefits with a single monthly payment.
The DWP says that with the new system, people are moving into work faster and staying in work for longer than they were before.
Rachel Jones DWP Group Director for the South West said: “Universal Credit is helping more and more people in the South West move into work faster and become financially independent.“It is providing valuable support for families and is helping to transform lives for the better.”
For more information about Universal Credit, please visit www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk
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