Unemployment in Kent inches upwards.

Another 1,532 people claimed Universal Credit (UC) in Kent in Nov 2020, meaning that nearly 11.5% of the working population aged between 16 – 64 is now unemployed in the County.

As the number of persons claiming UC inches ever higher across Kent, due to covid-19, it’s clear that the furlough system, introduced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has had a significant effect on slowing the rising levels of unemployment in the County.

The latest figures released today show Tonbridge JobCentrePlus to have the highest percentage of claimants claiming UC. The district JobCentrePlus office which has the lowest percentage in those claiming UC is Dover.

If you find yourself having to make a claim for UC, we would strongly advise you collect together all your financial incomings (wages slips etc) and outgoings ( council tax, water, electricity, gas etc)

If you need to claim Universal Credit you can do so ⇒ here

If you need to understand what Universal Credit is, a good explainer can be found ⇒ here

Once accepted onto UC you can apply for Council Tax Reduction by making an application online or by phone with your local council

All councils also offer a Discretionary Housing Payment to top up you rent for a max of 3 months. Again you can apply online or by phone to your local council.

If on UC you can also apply for the Low Water Tariff from your water provider. You will need to supply supporting evidence and can make an application ⇒ here

Also if you are on UC you can apply for the Low Water Tariff from the company who takes your sewage away such as Southern Water Water for example. You’ll need to complete the application form.

The Shepwayvox Team

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