Universal Credit

    People in receipt of certain benefits are being asked to sign up for the new system of benefits payments called Universal Credit.

    The Department for Work and Pensions says these ‘migration notices’ must be responded to promptly, with claimants having three months in which to claim Universal Credit or risk losing their benefits.
    The move to Universal Credit affects people claiming the following support:
    •    Child Tax Credit
    •    Housing Benefit
    •    Income Support
    •    Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 
    •    Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
    •    Working Tax Credit

    The DWP says most people will get the same amount on Universal Credit as they previously received, however, if the amount is less then a top-up payment - called transitional protection - will be considered. The DWP is urging claimants to apply by the deadline date on the letter sent to them to receive the top-up.
    To learn more about the change to Universal Credit go to gov.uk/universal-credit
     

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