1. THE WELFARE REVOLUTION

The 2013 benefit changes in detail

Starting this year, some existing welfare benefits will begin to be phased out and replaced by a new benefits system. Means-tested benefits, such as income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit, will eventually be replaced by one benefit called Universal Credit.

If you are currently on benefits, you will eventually have to move to the new system and may have to agree to more conditions to get benefits.

This Chapter gives you some key facts about how you might be affected by Universal Credit and other changes due to happen in 2013.