You may be hearing a lot on the news and social media recently about the move to universal credit (UC).
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) wants everyone receiving living and/or housing support to be on universal credit instead of older benefits like employment and support allowance, tax credits or income support. This means they are transferring anyone still on legacy benefits to UC. This process is called ‘move to UC’ and applies to anyone who is of working age (66) or younger.
Universal credit includes both living costs support for you and your family and housing costs support if you rent your home. Remember that you can be working and still receive universal credit support. There’s more information about UC on the government website or this summary page with links to other useful information.
Everyone who currently gets support with their living costs will be invited to move to UC. If you receive help with your housing costs, and you live in social or sheltered housing you may also be asked to move to UC.
Any disability or health benefits you claim, like disability living allowance or personal independence payment, are not impacted by the move to UC and will continue as normal.
The process for moving to universal credit
You will receive a letter inviting you to move to UC. The letter will have a deadline date stated in it. This is the date by which you need to have moved to UC to make sure that you do not lose out on your benefits. It’s important you check the date that you will need to claim by, as you won’t be moved automatically.
When you receive your invitation letter, please let your local officer know.
If you need help with your universal credit application, or you’re concerned about managing your income until you receive your first universal credit payment, there’s lots of support available.
There’s also a ‘move to UC’ helpline. The number will be on the letter you receive, or the Citizens Advice Bureau have a specialist ‘help to claim’ team. You can call them on 0800 144 8444. Wait until you receive your letter before calling.
