CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is helping residents set up on digital Universal Credit.

The full service is being rolled out in December and CWAC have teamed up with Citizens Advice and the Department for Work and Pensions to provide support so people can manage their claim easily.

Universal Credit is the new single monthly benefit payment for working age people on a low income or out of work and.

It replaces Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Tax Credits.

Cllr David Armstrong, finance and legal, said: “The council has funded three within Citizens Advice to provide dedicated support to residents.

“We want to ensure residents are aware of the change and have the help they need to get set up on the new system.

“Universal Credit recipients can also apply for additional financial support and mentoring through the council’s discretionary funds.”

The full service digital programme is expected to be in place across the UK by September 2018.

For more information on Universal Credit visit your local Citizens Advice office.

Applications for discretionary payments or personal budgeting support can be made by phoning 0300 123 7065. To apply online for Universal Credit, please visit gov.uk/apply-universal-credit.