DWP shares four checks to make before making Universal Credit claim | UK News

The guidance comes as a number of people have been moved over to Universal Credit from several other ‘legacy benefits’, such as Income Support and Housing Benefit, which are slowly being phased out.

Four other benefits are being phased out, too: Child Tax Credit, Income-related Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) and Working Tax Credit.

The ‘managed migration’ away from these benefits has already begun, as some claimants have already switched to UC in 2022 and 2023 – but the full change isn’t expected to be complete until 2028.

Some may want to pre-empt the switch-up by applying for Universal Credit in advance.

You don’t need to, as you’ll be contacted with a ‘migration notice’ letter and given a date by which you need to make your application.

However, if you’re keen to jump the gun, there are a few essential things to keep in mind before making your UC application – as it could affect how much money you receive.

Here are the checks the DWP advises…

Check you are eligible for Universal Credit

But if you’re applying without having received a notice, you’ll need to check you are eligible, using the gov.uk website’s criteria.

Universal Credit is a benefit for those on a low income, and you may be working or not working (out of work, or unable to work).

However, to be eligible, you do need to:

• Be aged 18 or over (with some exceptions for those aged 16/17)
• Be under State Pension age
• Be living in the UK
• Have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.

Note that if you’re living with a partner, you both need to claim for UC even if they are not eligible – and their income and savings will be included in your calculation.

See if any savings you have go above the Universal Credit limit

How much you get in Universal Credit – which is paid monthly – will vary depending on your circumstances.

As mentioned above, the amount of money you have in the bank affects a Universal Credit claim.

Find out how Universal Credit payments are affected by debts

Similarly, if you’re in arrears with certain bills such as your council tax, water or energy bills, child maintenance payments or court fines, you could get money taken off your Universal Credit payment.

It’s worth being aware of and checking to see if your benefits will be affected before applying.

Check if Universal Credit payments are higher or lower than any support you’re currently getting

Finally, it’s wise to know if you will be getting more or less money by claiming UC.

Many people can do this by using benefits calculators, such as EntitledTo or Turn2Us.

If you’re due to get less – but you’ve applied to Universal Credit as a result of receiving a migration notice – then you’ll be topped up to ensure you’re getting the same amount.

The DWP website states: ‘On Universal Credit, most people will be entitled to the same amount they received from their previous benefits or more.

‘If the amount you are entitled to on your existing benefits is more than you’ll get on Universal Credit, a top up is available. This is called ‘transitional protection’.’

Note that you WON’T get a top-up if you are on a benefit that is being phased out but decide to apply for Universal Credit before you’re sent a letter notifying you to do so.

The DWP adds: ‘You can only get this top up if you have received a Migration Notice letter from DWP and claim by the deadline date on your letter.’

You’ll have three months from the date the notice letter is sent to make your new application and to ensure that you keep getting financial support from your benefits.

MORE : From Universal Credit to carer’s allowance, how to check what benefits you might be able to claim

MORE : If you’re on Universal Credit and part of this scheme, you could get free driving lessons

MORE : DWP confirms universal credit changes for August Bank Holiday – here’s when you can expect to get your money