Some benefits and tax credits are coming to an end to be replaced by Universal Credit. If you're in receipt of these benefits, this information will help you make the move.
Universal Credit will be used to simplify the benefits system. It is a single monthly payment that provides support for those looking for work, unable to work or working on a low income.
The UK Government is expanding Universal Credit to include other benefits, combining them all into a single monthly payment.
The following benefits and tax credits are affected by the change:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-Based Job Seeker's Allowance
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
When will the move to Universal Credit happen?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be sending a letter to most people claiming the above benefits with a 'Migration Notice'. This notice informs claimants that they will need to claim Universal Credit instead of their current benefits in order to continue receiving financial support.
You do not have to do anything until you receive your letter from DWP.
However, the letter will include a date by which you need to have made your new claim. This date is three months following the date the letter was sent.
The move to Universal Credit does not happen automatically. It is important not to ignore the letter and to make a new claim in time to avoid any payment interruptions.
