THE DWP is making a key change to services within days which will affect those on Universal Credit and other benefits.

Due to the bank holidays over the Easter period, opening times and phone lines will be reduced.

Jobcentres will close for two days over Easter

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Jobcentres will close for two days over EasterCredit: PA

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is changing the opening hours of certain phone lines and closing local Jobcentre Plus offices on selected days.

Jobcentre Plus opening times will be different over Easter for England, Scotland and Wales:

  • On Friday 29 March offices and phone lines are closed. 
  • On Monday 1 April offices and phone lines are closed.

From Tuesday 2 April offices and phone lines are open as usual.

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To make sure people get their payment on a day when Jobcentre Plus offices are open, some payments will be made early:

  • If the expected payment date is Friday 29 March benefits will be paid early on Thursday 28 March.
  • If the expected payment date is Monday 1 April benefits will be paid early on Thursday 28 March.
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There are over 600 Jobcentres in operation across the country and you can locate your closest one by typing in your postcode on the government’s website.

Jobcentres are primarily there to assist those on Universal Credit to find and get back into work.

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After applying for Universal Credit, you will need to visit your local Jobcentre where you’ll be assigned a work coach and a dedicated central case manager.

The centres are filled with work coaches to help and support those claiming benefits and Universal Credit.

All the advice and help provided is free and the work coach helps customers look for work that is most suited to their skills.

Training courses are available to help claimants write a CV and prepare for job interviews.

Universal Credit

Here’s everything to know about Universal Credit:

Millions across the UK will see a change to their Universal Credit and other benefit payments this week.

Anyone who is due to be paid on Friday, March 29 or Monday, April 1 will receive their payment early on Thursday, March 28.

Here is a full list of benefits that will be affected by the bank holiday and how often they are paid:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer’s Allowance 
  • Child Benefit 
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Pension Credit
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • State Pension 
  • Tax credits 
  • Universal Credit

The amount you get paid this month shouldn’t change, it will be the same as in previous months unless your circumstances have changed.

But benefits will increase next month in April by 6.7% but some will go up even more.

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How to check what benefits you could be entitled to

The quickest way to see what benefits you may be able to claim is to use one of the three benefit calculators recommended by Gov.uk.

Each one is free to use. They are: 

Before using the tools, make sure you have key financial information to hand, such as bank and savings statements, and information on pensions and existing benefits.

If you live with a partner or family, get their basic financial information together too as this could affect your claim.

For each of these, you’ll be asked information about your circumstances, such as your current employment and income.

You’ll also need to give information about yourself, including your age and who you live with.

You can then use the contact information on Gov.uk to get the ball rolling and apply for what you’re owed.

Of course, the tools only provide an indicator of what benefits you can claim – and usually don’t include means tested benefits, so you may be entitled to even more.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

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