The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of January 2023 there were 5.9 million people claiming Universal Credit. The means-tested benefit is a payment designed to help people on a low income, out of work, or if they cannot work due to ill health or caring responsibilities.
DWP also recently announced that from this month, more people on Tax Credits will be asked to claim Universal Credit as the UK Government expands the migration of legacy benefit claimants to the modern benefit system. DWP said that by migrating to Universal Credit, claimants will continue to receive the benefit they are entitled to through a future-proofed modern benefits system.
Universal Credit provides a vital safety net for millions of people every year, enabling them to support themselves and their families through its online digital system which allows claimants to access their benefits more easily and quickly amend their claim to reflect a change in their circumstances.
DWP also said that in most cases, individuals will be better off financially following a move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit. However, where someone’s entitlement to Universal Credit would be lower than their legacy benefits entitlement, in the vast majority of cases, they will receive a top-up payment known as Transitional Protection.
Transitional Protection means that their Universal Credit entitlement will be the same as their legacy benefit entitlement at the point they move.
Legacy benefits being replaced by Universal Credit
Universal Credit will replace the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
What you will need to make a Universal Credit claim
There are five things people need to make a claim for Universal Credit:
- an address - this can be a ‘care of’ address
- an email address
- a telephone number
- bank account details - a claim can still be made without a bank account
- evidence of your identity
Most Universal Credit claimants manage their Universal Credit claim through their online account. You can use your account to report changes, get support and use your journal to send messages to your work coach.
Almost all Universal Credit claims will be managed using an online account. If you need help getting online or navigating the site, jobcentre staff or your work coach can help.
Migration to Universal Credit is being expanded from April following a Discovery Phase, with more Tax Credit claimants now set to receive letters known as Migration Notices.
DWP warns that people who receive the letters but fail to act are at risk of losing their current benefit entitlements.
The move of claimants on legacy benefits to Universal Credit was paused during the pandemic following record demand so that DWP could process increased application volumes.
Since its introduction some claimants have naturally moved to Universal Credit following a change in their circumstances and claimants have always been able to make a claim for Universal Credit if they wish to do so.
Migration Notices will be issued to all Tax Credit claimants over the next two years.
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.
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