West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that the Department for Work and Pensions are implementing special plans to help new claimants over Christmas. The local roll out of Universal Credit began in September when 124 people were moved onto the new single-benefit payment. Universal Credit rolls six different benefits into one payment and is paid monthly to reflect how many people in employment are paid. It is a better, simpler system that helps people into work and makes sure work always pays – people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than they were under the old system. And Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has written to Harriett outlining plans which will help to make sure that any new claimant won’t be left without cash during the festive period. New claimants can get an advance of up to 100 per cent and all advances are paid within three working days and those in need can get payments processed the same day. Harriett said: “I have been keeping a close eye on the local roll out of Universal Credit and worked with the local Job Centre to help with the complex and challenging cases to identify potential solutions. “During the festive period it is even more important that people receive the money and support they are entitled to so I am grateful that the Work and Pensions Secretary has written to me to confirm that the Department is looking to help new claimants if they need urgent help. “There have been a lot of negative stories in the media about Universal Credit and I have been keen to share the local experience that the local DWP team is working well with local people to migrate people smoothly onto the new benefit.” “The consensus is that it a much fairer system and that the roll out is working smoothly. The Job Centre team has agreed to keep me closely informed in case any issues arise.”