The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced that from April, more people on Tax Credits would receive letters inviting them to claim Universal Credit (UC) as the UK Government expands the migration of legacy benefit claimants to the modern welfare system.
A further update in the May edition of the LA Welfare Direct bulletin indicates that the expansion will continue into other parts of the country and that by September this year, “move to UC activity will be taking place in all regions of Great Britain”.
No locations in Scotland have been listed to start before September. The bulletin states: “On 3 April 2023, we expanded into Avon, Somerset, and Gloucester and will be expanding into East London and Cheshire in May. Currently, work is progressing towards expansion of Move to UC activity into the Greater Manchester and North East Yorkshire and Humber areas for June.”
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) administers Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and has previously advised claimants that both benefits will be replaced by Universal Credit by the end of 2024.
Every person in receipt of Tax Credits will receive a letter from the DWP inviting them to make a claim for Universal Credit. It is important that people claim by the deadline shown in the letter, also referred to as a ‘Migration Notice’, in order to continue receiving financial support.
Tax Credits will end even if they decide not to claim Universal Credit. However, there is no need to wait for their transfer letter, and customers can apply to move to Universal Credit sooner, if it is right for them, but they should seek independent advice beforehand to ensure they will not be financially worse off.
HMRC is also currently issuing Tax Credits renewal packs which must be completed and returned by July 31, 2023. It’s important to be aware that any changes in circumstances could trigger a move to Universal Credit.
Help to claim
People can claim Universal Credit directly online or via the dedicated Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline for free on 0800 169 0328 or by visiting your local jobcentre.
Claimants that require more time to claim can also call DWP for free on 0800 169 0328.
For those who need additional support to complete their application, Citizens Advice Scotland’s Help to Claim service provides free, confidential and impartial advice along with a step-by-step guide to the claims process.
Find out more on the website here.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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