Is it time to move to Universal Credit?
If you’re claiming any of the benefits mentioned below then soon, you’ll have to take action and switch over to Universal Credit (UC). These are income-based and/or income related benefits called legacy benefits:
- Working tax credits
- Child tax credits
- Housing benefit for anyone under pension age
- Employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance.
When will this happen to me?
You’ll receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) called a notice of managed migration. Once you have this letter, you’ll have three months to act. The managed migration to UC has already begun and is initially only affecting a few areas, but there will be a gradual expansion across all local authorities. The DWP plans to complete the managed migration by the end of 2024.
Stop, think, and be in the know
There’ll be winners and losers in this transition, so be as informed as you can. Once you’ve received your letter through the post, you will need to work out:
- The best time in that three-month window to move
- How much you’re likely to receive in UC. We’ll also be able to provide tips to ensure your application is assessed correctly from the start
- If you are entitled to any Transitional Protection. These are measure’s the government has put in place to protect against loss of income caused by the switch over
What do I do?
- You must look out for your letter from the DWP. But you can get prepared. You can check on various benefit calculators including: www.entitledto.co.uk and www.turn2us.org.uk to check out how much you will receive on UC, it might be less than you’re getting now, but it might be more.
- You can make the switch to UC earlier than when you’re invited, but if you’re due to receive less after the switch over, it’s better to wait for the managed migration notice letter.
- You will also want to consider any known existing debts that could be deducted from your UC award and ensure that you’re receiving all the benefits and extra help that you might need.
- When you’ve received your letter, you can contact us on the usual channels and ask to talk about the switch to UC.
- If you’re worried about your finances, we can offer expert advice and support on a range of subjects.