Guidance

Universal Credit: guidance for local authorities on implementation

Questions and answers to help local authorities and their partner organisations with the introduction of Universal Credit.

This publication was withdrawn on

On 27 March 2014 we published more up to date guidance for local authorities about implementing Universal Credit based on the findings of the local authority led pilots.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Preparing for Universal Credit: Q&A for local authorities

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@dwp.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Welsh: Preparing for Universal Credit - Q&A for local authorities

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@dwp.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This document provides a series of questions and answers to help local authorities with the introduction of Universal Credit.

The questions and answers were commissioned by Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform. They have been developed by the 12 local authority led pilots, that began in September 2012, along with the Local Government Association, the Welsh Local Government Association, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and Jobcentre Plus.

The questions and answers cover 4 areas:

  • encouraging and supporting claimants to use digital services
  • understanding the type of financial support different claimant groups may need and how to provide it
  • working in partnership with local organisations to provide claimants with the help they need under Universal Credit
  • assessing claimants’ needs at the initial point of contact and identifying those who need extra support (‘triage’)

More information for local authorities about Universal Credit on GOV.UK

We have published more information for local authorities about the introduction of Universal Credit.

Read more about who is entitled to Universal Credit and how to claim.

Published 6 December 2013