Changes to the benefits system have been rolled out in most of Hounslow , with the introduction of Universal Credit in the borough.
The new scheme, which replaces six working age benefits with a single household one, took effect in most of the borough on Wednesday January 27, Hounslow Council said.
However, it does not yet apply to residents with postcodes beginning UB, W4, W6 and TW14 8, as they are not covered by Hounslow Jobcentre Plus.
Universal Credit is expected to be implemented in those areas when it is fully rolled out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) later this year.
You can check whether the changes apply to you via the postcode checker on the Universal Credit website .
New claimants who are affected will then be invited to enter their details and begin the online claim.
READ MORE:Hounslow MPs call on the chancellor to reverse Universal Credit cuts
Universal Credit is paid monthly to a household, rather than individual claimants, and combines payments including jobseekers allowance and housing benefit.
The government, which began to introduce Universal Credit in 2013, claims it will simplify the system and encourage more people on benefits into work.
But critics, including Hounslow MPs Seema Malhotra and Ruth Cadbury , claim it will leave many people - especially those who are already working - worse off.
Ms Malhotra and Ms Cadbury warned earlier this year that a single mother would see her annual work allowance nearly halved from £8,808 to £4,764 under Universal Credit.
Anyone who is already claiming benefits will be told by the DWP when Universal Credit will affect them.
Council tax support, which is provided by the council, is still available to those who need help with their payments.
For more information on the changes and the support available, visit Hounslow Council's website .
