Universal credit

[Bumper23]

Sorry if this is covered elsewhere - I couldn't find anything.

I heard today that universal credit will be claimed by families sometime this year, but I can't find any definite information. Does anyone know:
When families will claim it?
Will all families claim it?
Why haven't I heard anything about it yet?
How will it affect things like JSA and and child care and tax credits?

I know a little bit about it, but thought it was just single people. Hopefully if I was effected I'd have been told.

It's being rolled out really slowly over at least 4 years. They've started just in a few pilot areas and mainly single people there I think. I don't think the government's decided exactly who to move onto it when yet, which is why no one has told you more.

It replaces JSA, tax credits and housing benefit. Some people will get slightly more under it and done a little less, but I think if you were going to lose out they'll freeze you on what you had been getting for as long as your circumstances stay the same - ie you won't get a sudden drop.

I think they are starting to very slowly test the waters with claims for couples.
It's only in a handful of areas across the country though for now.