Six benefits are ending with claimants being moved to Universal Credit, but only if they take action
Six legacy benefits are being absorbed into the Universal Credit system as part of the DWP migration. Some, like Working Tax Credits, have already officially ended, but ministers have raised concerns about the “risk of harm” to people undergoing the migration process.
The process begins when a person receives their migration notice. This will contain their own personal deadline they need to apply for Universal Credit by in order to receive Transitional Protection, which ensures they won’t be left worse off on the new system.
For example, if someone received £600 a month from Tax Credits but only qualifies for £400 from Universal Credit under the normal eligibility rules, the Transitional Protection will add an extra £200. However, if you miss the deadline in your migration notice, you will not be able to get any Transitional Protection.
Labour MP Ben Coleman questioned whether the DWP had done an assessment on the “risk of harm, including financial hardship, distress, or loss of income, which may arise from the Universal Credit migration process”.
Sir Stephen Timms assured in a written response that the safety of claimants during the transition is a priority for the DWP. He also clarified what other protections have been extended to at-risk claimants while moving over to Universal Credit.
He wrote: “Customers moving from DWP legacy benefits or Housing Benefit continue to receive their legacy benefits for two weeks following their move to Universal Credit to smooth the transition from fortnightly to monthly payments.
“Customers who under Universal Credit are entitled to a lower amount of benefit will have their current cash award transitionally protected at the higher award.
“To support customers to make a claim to Universal Credit, we have put in place additional support arrangements for customers that face additional challenges… These measures are part of our broader commitment to equality and inclusion, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged in accessing the support they are entitled to.”
The migration process has a range of accessibility measures in place to support disabled claimants such as Video Relay Services for British Sign Language users and other alternative communication formats.
Some of the extra support measures for vulnerable claimants include the DWP proactively contacting them, even in the form of home visits if necessary, and providing them extra time before having to make their Universal Credit claim.
The DWP has provided multiple support channels for people switching between the benefits, including a dedicated Move to UC helpline and independent support through Citizens Advice.
People who aren’t able to make the deadline in their migration notice may also be able to get reasonable adjustments from the DWP. This may include extended deadlines or the use of appointees for people who are unable to manage their own affairs.
The minister also revealed that over 150 Complex Case Coaches have been deployed to provide personalised assistance, who are working with local safeguarding teams for particularly vulnerable people.
