Did you know legacy benefits are changing? It could impact when and how you receive your payments.
What is it?
Universal Credit is a benefit payment from the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) for people aged over 18 but under state pension age, who are on a low income or out of work.
It’s a monthly payment to help you with living costs, including support with the cost of housing, children and childcare, and financial support for people with disabilities, carers and people too ill to work.
New claimants or anyone who’s had a significant change in circumstances will have already been changed over to Universal Credit. However, there are some people who are still claiming legacy benefits. The DWP is aiming for all people who claim legacy benefits to migrate over to Universal Credit via managed migration.
What are legacy benefits?
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Housing Benefit
What is managed migration?
Managed migration is where people getting legacy benefits will have their claims transferred to Universal Credit via a managed process. Managed migration is expected to be complete by March 2025 for most people. People who get Employment and Support Allowance and don’t get tax credits are expected to move to Universal Credit by 2028.
What to expect?
If you get any of the legacy benefits above then you’ll receive a letter from the DWP explaining that you need to migrate over to Universal Credit, they’ll also tell you the deadline for doing this and how you can make a new claim.
It’s important that you only act once you’ve been notified by letter by the DWP as you may be entitled to protection of your benefits.
Please see the information below if you need any further support or advice:
- DWP Universal Credit Migration National Helpline – 0800 169 0328
- gov.uk
- citizensadvice.org.uk
- moneyhelper.org.uk
If you still require further support and advice then please contact us on 0151 290 7000 and ask to speak to the Advisory Team.