UNIVERSAL Credit was rolled out in Bromsgrove on Wednesday.
The system replaces six benefits with one monthly payment.
Residents who previously claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working and Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit will instead claim for Universal Credit.
People applying for Universal Credit will receive a 100 per cent advance on their first payment after the seven-day waiting period for new claimants was removed earlier this year.
Support for working families under Universal Credit means those who move into work can claim back up to 85 per cent of their eligible childcare costs.
Those on Universal Credit will have 24-hour access to an online account they can use to manage their claim, including reporting changes of circumstances, checking the details of their claim and date of their next payment.
Visit www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk for more.