Major change to benefits and tax credits: check if you need to act

If you are currently in receipt of benefits or tax credits, you may soon be asked to apply for Universal Credit.

The following are ending and will eventually be replaced by Universal Credit:

• Housing Benefit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Child Tax Credits (CTC)
• Working Tax Credits (WTC)
• Income Support

If you are currently receiving one of these benefits, you will have to move onto Universal Credit by 2029. But some people are being asked to claim Universal Credit much sooner than this.

How will I know when to apply for Universal Credit?

You will receive a letter, called a migration letter, from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) telling you when you need to apply. It’s really important that you keep an eye out for this letter as if you want to keep receiving financial support, you will need to claim Universal Credit.

You DO NOT need to do anything unless you receive this letter.

You may also need to change to Universal Credit sooner if your situation changes – for example if you’ve separated from a partner or moved to a different council area.

You can find more information on the move to Universal Credit on the UK Government website.

The Citizens Advice website also provides useful information on what this means for you.

What to do when you receive your letter

You should claim Universal Credit by the deadline on your letter.

Your old benefits will stop after this date.

If your letter doesn’t contain a deadline, you don’t have to claim Universal Credit unless you want to – even in the future.

For advice and support

For independent help, call Help to Claim on 0800 144 8444 or go to their website. You can also get advice from AdviceLocal.

Alternatively, contact our friendly team of money advisors.

You can check if moving to Universal Credit is the best option for you here.