Universal Credit claimants told four key changes to arrive from next month

dailystar.co.uk:

Universal Credit is claimed by around 5.6million people in the UK. It offers help in many ways, whether it's for those with children or even a house.Now four key changes are set to arrive for claimants as early as next month. READ MORE: Universal Credit change proposed – and 'may lead to £700 cash boost from June' It is slowly replacing the old-style benefits, like Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support and much more.A managed migration system to move everyone on legacy benefits over to Universal Credit restarted in May this year.So what are the four changes?Changes to when you start paying National Insurance (NI) is to come into force from July 6.The threshold for when you start to pay will rise from £9,880 to £12,750.It comes after the rate at which you pay contributions was raised by 1.25% points in April.If you're paying less tax and getting more money in your take-home pay, it could impact your Universal Credit.Universal Credit claimants are entitled to a £650 cost of living payment to help with rising bills.The cash is being split up into two payments.Those who claim Universal Credit, income-related ESA and JSA, Income Support and Pension Credit will receive £326 from July 14.The second £324 payment is expected to be sent to eligible households in autumn.If you receive your Universal Credit into a Post Office card account, you'll need to set up another payment method.The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will no longer make payments into these accounts from November 30.If you already have an existing bank account, you can contact DWP with your details, otherwise you can choose to open one.Those who aren't able to open a bank account, you'll be able to use the Payment Exception Service.Universal.