RESIDENTS will be paid out benefits through the new system of Universal Credit from today, Wednesday.

It is a monthly payment scheme brought in by central government to help with living costs and replaces existing benefits such as child tax credit, income support and working tax credit.

Some residents have been receiving money through Universal Credit in its "live-service" period since July 2013 but now all claims in the borough will be made through the new system.

Wigan Council are urging residents to budget after making claims as it takes around five weeks for their first payments to arrive.

Lesley O’Halloran, assistant director for customer services at the council, said: “We are aware of the significant debate around Universal Credit but our priority is ensuring residents are aware of these changes and understand what it means for them.

“We acknowledge that a monthly payment may be initially daunting to some but we would like to reassure these people that there is support available locally.

"We advise that affected residents embrace the new system in order not to miss out on vital benefits.”

Advance payments can be requested by residents from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) if they are unable to pay their bills.

People accessing Universal Credit already through the "live service" are advised not to make any new claims until they are contacted by the DWP as this could affect existing payments.

Residents are being reassured by the DWP that unless they are claiming for the first time, have had a change in circumstances or contacted by them, they do not have to immediately take action.

The council has been working in partnership with Citizen’s Advice and Unify in the last few months as part of its ongoing money management campaign which is due to continue.

As Universal Credit is an online service, residents are being urged to attend its free "Be Online" sessions at libraries to improve their digital skills or access their welfare rights outreach surgeries for impartial advice on benefits and claims.

Universal Credit claimants will need an e-mail address and a bank, building society or credit union account and those who are yet to set these up are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

For more information about the new benefit system and to find out more about the "Be Online" sessions and welfare rights surgeries visit wigan.gov.uk/universalcredit.

If you do not have enough money to live on while they wait for their first payment contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 3285644.