The government are making plans to move all legacy benefit claimants over to Universal Credit.
The move has left those in receipt of the payments worried about whether or not they will be worse off financially. However, they will have no choice in the matter regardless of if they will lose out on money and the changes are set to be completed by the end of 2024.
Martin Lewis addressed the concerns tonight on ITV's Martin Lewis Money Show Live. He had unfortunate news for 35% of legacy benefit claimants.
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Martin said: "Legacy benefits are things like Employment Support Allowance or Income Support. There are 2.6 million people who are still on them.
"If I remember rightly, I believe 55% of them, according to government stats, will be better off moving to Universal Credit and 35% will be worse off."
He added: "Those who will be better off tend to be those who are in work and pay rent, especially in the cities who have higher housing benefit type elements or those towards the top end of Universal Credit.
"Those who will be worse off might be those who aren't renting or who are out of work. If you're in that category you might be worse off but you will be automatically moved at some time by the end of 2024 and there is nothing you can do about it.
"Clearly we have a problem with the benefit system at the moment. It was uprated in inflation last year by 3% and inflation is now 9% which is a massive hit for those people on the lowest incomes. It's something that I think needs to be addressed."
He ended with a bit of advice for those who would be better off. Martin said: "What I would say, for those of you in the 55% who may be better off, you can actually request being moved to Universal Credit earlier.
"It's important to understand that when you do make that request you can't change your mind. Don't rely on a benefits calculator online, go and get a one-on-one assessment from a properly qualified free benefits expert."
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