AFTER the Government’s Universal Credit was rolled out in the town this month, St Helens Council are offering help to those affected.

The new service is available to people who are on a low income or out of work.

St Helens Council is working with its partners to support residents to access the new online claim forms and provide advice and guidance on personal budgeting.

It is being introduced in stages and replaces six existing benefits with a single monthly payment. It replaces income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

People already claiming benefits will not have to do anything and will be told when Universal Credit affects them.

There will be information available on the council’s website about local resources and internet access points as well as IT courses to help people get online www.sthelens.gov.uk/universalcredit.

Information about who will be eligible for Universal Credit, how to apply and how it will be paid can be found on the government’s website www.gov.uk/universal-credit.