RESIDENTS with concerns in the wake of the Universal Credit rollout in Newport have been offered advice by experts.

The new system will see benefits paid to claimants on a monthly basis, as opposed to ‘legacy’ benefits it replaces, such as Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) or housing benefits.

The changes will not affect everyone – only new benefits claimants will automatically go onto Universal Credit following a visit to the JobCentre.

Those still claiming any of the ‘legacy’ benefits will not be forced to make the switch until 2019 at the earliest.

Concerns remain over what happens when claimants are in urgent need for their payment, but the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have moved to allay such fears.

A spokesman said: “If someone cannot wait for a first payment because they are in financial need, we want to make sure they can claim an advance payment as quickly as possible.

“Once we know they are entitled to an advance it is paid within three working days. If someone is in urgent need a payment can be made on the same day.”

Benefit advances can be repaid over an agreed period depending on the individual’s circumstances.

Almost half of Universal Credit claimants have taken out an advance while waiting for their first regular payment, according to the DWP.

Trussell Trust, which runs a foodbank in Newport, have urged anyone feeling that they are facing crisis amidst the rollout to seek guidance.

Last week, it revealed that that they expect more people to be relying on food parcels in the wake of Universal Credit.

A spokeswoman said: “We’d advise people to go visit their local Citizens Advice or other advice agency, their local council, or a frontline care professional if they find themselves in a crisis and need help. They should be able to refer them to a foodbank after assessing their situation.

For more information, visit www.gov.uk/universal-credit or call the Newport branch of Jobcentre Plus on 0845 604 3719.