A MUM from Weaverham will be sharing the benefits of her experience with residents in mid Cheshire in preparation for the Universal Credit roll-out.

Amiee Kujawa will be out and about offering specialist advice to help residents save safely, budget and prepare for the changes the new system will bring.

The mum-of-two said: "With Universal Credit coming into action it is absolutely crucial to prepare for the changes in how money will be paid to you.

"Don't miss an opportunity to save and become more confident with budgeting and managing your money.

“I have been in a situation where personal circumstances left me in crisis with money and it was extremely stressful and detrimental to my children so I have real experiences on how tough life can get.”

West Cheshire Credit Union (WCCU) and Weaver Vale Housing Trust have co-funded Amiee's post.

Andrea Petty, welfare reform project officer for the trust, said: “Universal Credit will be rolled out Cheshire wide for singles and couples in December 2014.

"Currently the plan is for existing claimants to be moved onto Universal Credit in 2017.

"There will be five weeks from the date of the application until a claimant receives any money and thereafter Universal Credit will be paid monthly.

“Because of these changes the trust are delighted to be able to fund Amiee's post.

"We want our customers to be as prepared as possible for Universal Credit and having some savings for that initial five week period is part of this preparation.

“As Universal Credit replaces Tax Credits, JSA and ESA we are expecting a significant number of our customers to be affected.

"So we hope that by saving with WCCU the move to monthly payments and monthly budgeting will be easier for those concerned.”

Amiee will be running sessions at Wharton Library on Tuesdays and it is hoped to extend these to Wyvern House, in Winsford, and the Northwich Information Centre but Amiee is happy to meet up with people at their convenience.

For more information ring 07586 027920 or email amiee.kujawa@wccu.co.uk.