Changes to the benefits system: Why one charity is asking for change

What changes are being made to Universal Credit?

Transcript

00:00 As of Monday May 13th, people claiming Universal Credit are now expected to work at least 18

00:06 hours per week. This new rule came in as part of broader reforms to the welfare system that

00:11 the government announced in April. Work and Pension Secretary Mel Stride said this comes

00:16 as the government look to radically expand support available to help people on their

00:21 journey off benefits. But national charity Turn to Us has urged the government to reconsider

00:27 this policy. The charity has warned that the change could have a "drastic impact" on people

00:33 with long-term health conditions or irregular incomes. In a revealing YouGov poll, nearly

00:38 two-thirds of UK adults described the benefits system as being overly confusing and difficult

00:43 to navigate. The findings went on to report that the total amount of unclaimed income-related

00:48 benefits and other support has risen to almost £23 billion a year. This comes as a 21%

00:55 rise on the previous year, which is thought to highlight how families could be missing

00:59 out on vital support.

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