What are the main differences between Universal Credit and the current system?   

Under Universal Credit:

• Claims can only be made online
• You will be paid monthly
• Universal credit is paid in arrears and can take up to five weeks from when you claim for your first payment to be made
• Your rent will be included in your monthly payment and you will be responsible for paying it to your landlord. Alternative payment arrangements are available for those who are financially vulnerable. To see whether this applies to your circumstances, you can find out more here on the entitledto website
• Your existing Housing Benefit will be paid for two weeks after you have made a claim. You will then need to wait for your first Universal Credit payment before you receive any more money towards your housing costs.
• If you are living as a couple and both of you claim Universal Credit you will have two payment options:
• Separate Payment- All of your Universal Credit payment goes into your account.
• Split Payment - Your universal Credit payment is split between you and paid into separate bank accounts.

There is no limit on how many hours you work. Instead of losing your benefits all at once they will gradually reduce as you earn more