Many people claiming one of two benefits may have already been sent a letter by the DWP
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to fully replace two benefits this year, replacing them entirely with Universal Credit. The government department has been dispatching letters to people receiving legacy benefits, setting a deadline to apply for Universal Credit or face the cessation of all their payments.
Both Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance are reportedly set to be phased out completely by April 1, 2026. Previously, the DWP stated it didn’t anticipate anyone would still be claiming these benefits by April; however, a report from the Independent revealed that as many as 80,000 were still claiming last February.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, also emphasised that those receiving a migration notice to Universal Credit should not ‘ignore it’. Guidance from the DWP underscores that such Migration Notice letters will contain a deadline for when the claimant must make a claim for Universal Credit, or they will cease to receive financial support.
How much legacy benefit claimants will get from Universal Credit
Guidance from the DWP indicates that those transitioning to Universal Credit will typically receive the same amount they received from their previous benefits, and potentially even more. You will receive the standard Universal Credit allowance, as well as any additional amounts that apply.
The current Universal Credit allowance per month is:
- Single and under 25 – £316.98
- Single and 25 or over – £400.14
- Live with a partner and both under 25 – £497.55 (for both)
- Live with a partner and one or both are 25 or over – £628.10 (for both)
You may receive extra depending on your circumstances. Full details of this can be found here.
If you miss your migration deadline
If you fail to make a Universal Credit claim by the deadline specified in the Migration Notice letter, you can still apply for the benefit online. However, you won’t be eligible for transitional protection top-up payments, which supplement Universal Credit if your legacy benefit was higher than Universal Credit.
If you’re uncertain whether you would benefit more from transitional protection, you can use the Policy in Practice better off calculator here. Bear in mind, though, that the calculations will not take into account any deductions that might be made from your Universal Credit amount.
How to apply for Universal Credit
You can apply for Universal Credit online. You’ll need to create a Universal Credit account and must complete your claim within 28 days of creating said account.
To apply, you’ll need information including:
- Your bank, building society, or credit union account details
- An email address
- Access to a phone
You may also need to verify your identity with various documents. This could include:
- Passport
- Debit or credit card
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Payslip or P60
Further details on how to make a claim for Universal Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
