Important Update on Benefits and Tax Credits
August 12, 2024
Some benefits and tax credits are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit. Universal Credit (UC) is a single monthly payment to help with your living costs and provides support if you are working and on a low income, looking for work or unable to work.
The following benefits and tax credits are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to people who receive these benefits to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead.
This letter – called a Migration Notice – explains what you need to do and when. It also provides information on the help available to continue receiving financial support from the government.
Find out when you’re likely to be asked to move to Universal Credit.
It is important that you do not do anything until you receive your letter. You will not be moved automatically but don’t worry, your letter will provide all the information you need to make the move to Universal Credit. Once you’ve received your Universal Credit Migration Notice letter, you’ll need to make a claim for Universal Credit to continue to get financial support. There will be a deadline in your letter. This will be 3 months from the date the letter was sent out.
Your current benefits will end as soon as you submit your claim for Universal Credit and you will not be able to go back to your existing benefit once you have claimed.
There is lots of support available to help you with your move, including if you need help with your Universal Credit application or managing your income until you receive your first Universal Credit payment. Visit gov.uk/ucmove for more information today.