PEOPLE with disabilities, jobseekers and families on low incomes in Rhyl will now all claim the same welfare.

From today, anyone in Rhyl who would previously have made a claim to Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income support, Working and Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit will instead claim Universal Credit.

The new welfare system - which is already being claimed by 800 single jobseekers in Rhyl after the first phase of roll outs - will expand to replace six benefits with one monthly payment that is tailored to claimants needs.

The changes to the benefit system are being introduced in stages by the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) cross Great Britain by postcode area.

Minister for Employment, Alok Sharma said: “Universal Credit is central to our commitment to help families improve their lives by moving into work. We know it’s working – with Universal Credit people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system.

"In Rhyl single jobseekers are already receiving support from their dedicated work coach to find employment or increase their hours and earnings. Now, all types of claimants will be able to benefit from the improved, personalised, one-to-one support that Universal Credit offers."

The new system aims to encourage finding and staying in employment, with families and disabled people on Universal Credit in work keeping more of their earnings and the ability to claim back up to 85 percent of childcare costs.

Applicants can now receive a 100 percent advance on their first payment, with the seven day waiting period for new claimants was removed earlier this year and the Government will continue to pay Housing Benefit claimants’ rent for two weeks when moving onto Universal Credit.

The application process is online, with applicants receiving 24-hour access to an online account that they can use to manage their claim, including reporting changes of circumstances, checking the details of their claim and date of their next Universal Credit payment.

The changes will only apply to new claimants and those who have had a change in circumstances. Other claimants don't need to do anything until they hear from the DWP about moving to Universal Credit.

Lynne Moore, North & Mid Wales Jobcentre Plus district manager, said:“Our staff are trained to support people throughout the claim process. We’d encourage anyone who needs extra help or information to come and talk to their work coach.”

Despite the full council stating its opposition to the roll out of Universal Credit at a meeting in February and the request the powers on this matter be devolved to the Welsh Government.

The full service is already in place in the South of Denbighshire, much of the rest of the county moves to Universal Credit full service from today (April 11).