The government has been questioned over what will happen to claimants of many UK benefits
The DWP has provided an update on Universal Credit for claimants transitioning to it from other benefits. It comes after a parliamentary question on the issue was lodged by Neil Duncan-Jordan, a Labour MP, with the Department for Work and Pensions.
His enquiry asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions “what steps are being taken to ensure those being migrated onto Universal Credit will receive transitional protection.” There have been criticisms that the government’s drive to move people off older so-called ‘legacy’ benefits and on to Universal Credit is leaving some people with no support if they fail to sign up for the new system.
The Disability News Service reported this week that many claimants are missing out as their old benefits end because they are not able to sign up to Universal Credit in time. “Many of these claimants are too unwell, experiencing domestic violence, or face other access barriers” to sign up quickly, the website reports.
Sir Stephen Timms – Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions) – responded to the Labour MP’s question to say: “The Department is committed to ensuring that all eligible customers moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit receive the Transitional Protection to which they are entitled.
“Transitional Protection is a safeguard designed to support a smooth financial transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit for those required to move. Customers who make a Universal Credit claim in response to a Migration Notice, and who would otherwise receive a lower award on Universal Credit than they received on their legacy benefit, will receive Transitional Protection.
“To be eligible for Transitional Protection, customers must claim Universal Credit by the deadline set out in their Migration Notice, or within one month of that deadline (the “grace period”). The Department keeps detailed records of all customers who have been issued with a Migration Notice and their associated deadlines to ensure eligible customers are correctly identified.”
Universal Credit is a single monthly payment to help with your living costs and provides support if you are working and on a low income or are looking for work. The following benefits are ending, or have ended, and being replaced by Universal Credit:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Claimants yet to switch over need to watch out for a letter called a Universal Credit Migration Notice from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) setting out what action you’ll need to take and by when. You can find out when you’re likely to be asked to transfer to Universal Credit here.
Upon receiving your Migration Notice letter, verify the deadline by which you must apply, as you won’t be transferred automatically. Don’t panic, your letter will contain instructions to follow, officials say. In the meantime, you can begin to prepare for your transition to Universal Credit.
You can work out how much you’re likely to receive on Universal Credit, with an estimate from an online benefits calculator. Your existing benefits will stop as soon as you submit your claim for Universal Credit. You will not be able to return to your existing government benefit once you have claimed.
What is Universal Credit transitional protection?
The government says transitional protection helps claimants move over to Universal Credit. Officials say you do not need to apply for transitional protection.
If eligible, this protection means you:
- can claim Universal Credit if you or your partner are a full-time student in higher education until the course is finished. This is known as the ‘transitional student disregard’
- can get a transitional protection payment added to your Universal Credit entitlement if you receive more from your previous benefits. This is known as the ‘transitional element’
- could claim Universal Credit and have money, savings and investments over £16,000 for 12 assessment periods if you moved from tax credits. This is known as the ‘transitional capital disregard’
Find out more on the gov.uk website about the protection here.
