About 2.6 million claimants of six legacy benefits will see a change from today, May 9, as the Government transfers these claims across to Universal Credit.
The migration process was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic but has resumed.
From today, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will start moving claimants across and also increase the amount of applicants it processes over the next few months.
Here is everything you need to know about the change, including who is impacted and how to ensure you don't lose your claim.
Who will the change impact?
The move will effect those who claim:
- Tax credits
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit.
How will I Know if my claim has been moved?
Everyone will eventually be moved from the older welfare system to Universal Credit by December 2024, reports The Mirror.
When it is your turn to be moved over to the new system, you will receive a “migration notice” in the post which will give you a three-month deadline to claim Universal Credit.
What will happen if I ignore the change?
If you don't start a claim for Universal Credit within this time, your current benefits will automatically stop after this deadline.
Some people may be moved across to Universal Credit early if they see a change in circumstances - for example, if they move home or change their working hours.
Will I get more money?
Not everyone will get more money on Universal Credit. The DWP says 1.4million legacy claimants (55%) are set to be better off under the new system, and 900,000 (35%) would be worse off. The other 300,000 benefit claimants will see no change.
Most of those being moved over to Universal Credit are on ESA (1.2million) or Tax Credits (1million). 200,000 are on Income Support and 100,000 on each of Housing Benefit and JSA.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
