BENEFITS claimants in Bradford are being offered advice as a major change to the system is rolled out across the district this week.

The “full service” introduction of Universal Credit begins from tomorrow in Bradford, and follows on from the benefit being available for new, single claimants from the end of 2015.

It is designed to replace six existing benefits - Housing Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support, Income Support, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit - with one monthly payment.

It aims to simplify the benefits system, help people of working age on low income to earn more and encourage people to move into work.

Applications are made online so claimants need internet access and an email address.

But those living in supported accommodation, who have three or more children living with them, and are pensioners are currently exempt and can continue to claim Housing Benefit for help towards rent.

Staff at Incommunities are gearing up make sure one of the biggest benefit changes in years goes smoothly for its tenants, of which more than 10,000 are expected to be affected, and to provide any assistance needed.

Under the changes people living in rented accommodation will be responsible for paying their rent directly to their landlord.

Dave Dickens, Incommunities’ director of income and customer services said: “The full roll out of Universal Credit is the biggest benefit change for many years. It will be a phased process so not all our customers will go onto the new benefit immediately.

“We estimate around 10,500 of our customers will be affected by 2022, but those customers currently claiming benefits do not need to do anything now, other than make sure they have a bank account and can access to a computer.

“We are committed to working with our partners including Bradford Council, Jobcentre Plus, the Department for Work and Pensions and voluntary agencies to support local people.”

Tracy Othen of Jobcentre Plus in Bradford said that the system is in place to help people build their experience up to find more long term employment.

She added that while under the previous system anyone working over 16 hours a week would forego their benefits, under Universal Credit they can work over this time on short term contracts and in part-time jobs, with the limit now being based on an earnings threshold.

Staff at Bradford Council’s Britannia House Customer Service Centre are also offering support to people applying for the benefit through its Hall Ings centre.

Additional reporting by Brad Deas