This article was published in the DWP's latest issue of 'Touchbase and on their website :
From April 2009, Jobcentre Plus is introducing new arrangements to help simplify benefit payments. Although these will bring long term improvements for all customers, some people may experience minor disruption at the time the changes take place.
Jobcentre Plus may offer financial support to some customers, to help them manage their affairs over the change period. The new arrangements will mean that:all benefits are paid in arrears; benefits will usually be paid every two weeks, and customers will move to a ‘pay week ending day’ that is linked to their National Insurance number.
The changes will simplify the way benefits are paid and make it easier for customers to move between benefits. Jobcentre Plus will move all its existing customers to the new arrangements between 6 April 2009 and March 2011.
Anyone making a new claim to benefits from 6 April 2009 will be paid according to the new arrangements. Customers will receive a letter giving them general information and advising them of the new arrangements. The letter will direct them to pages on the Directgov website and a telephone helpline if they need more information.
A notification letter will be sent to customers four weeks before they are due to change. This will give them full details about how the changes will affect their payments and how they can claim the financial support available to them. To download the plan visit http://
www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2008/nap Or contact Tricia Griffiths, 2nd Floor, The Adelphi, 111 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT T: 020 771 22477 Further information E-mail:
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www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Partners/paydays/index.html
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