The DWP has provided an update on Universal Credit transitional protection following a parliamentary question about claimants migrating from legacy benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update on Universal Credit for those transitioning from other benefits. This follows a parliamentary question raised by Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan with the DWP.

He queried the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about “what steps are being taken to ensure those being migrated onto Universal Credit will receive transitional protection”. There have been criticisms that the government’s push to transition people from older ‘legacy’ benefits to Universal Credit is leaving some without support if they fail to enrol in the new system.

This week, the Disability News Service reported that many claimants are missing out as their old benefits end because they are unable to sign up for Universal Credit in time. “Many of these claimants are too unwell, experiencing domestic violence, or face other access barriers” to sign up promptly, according to the website.

In response to the Labour MP’s question, Sir Stephen Timms – Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions) – stated: “The Department is committed to ensuring that all eligible customers moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit receive the Transitional Protection to which they are entitled.

“Transitional Protection is a safeguard designed to support a smooth financial transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit for those required to move. Customers who make a Universal Credit claim in response to a Migration Notice, and who would otherwise receive a lower award on Universal Credit than they received on their legacy benefit, will receive Transitional Protection.

“To be eligible for Transitional Protection, customers must claim Universal Credit by the deadline set out in their Migration Notice, or within one month of that deadline (the “grace period”). The Department keeps detailed records of all customers who have been issued with a Migration Notice and their associated deadlines to ensure eligible customers are correctly identified.”

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment to help with your living costs and provides support if you are working and on a low income or are looking for work, reports the Mirror. The following benefits are ending, or have ended, and being replaced by Universal Credit:

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Claimants yet to switch over need to watch out for a letter called a Universal Credit Migration Notice from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) setting out what action you’ll need to take and by when. You can find out when you’re likely to be asked to transfer to Universal Credit here.

Upon receipt of your Migration Notice letter, it’s important to check the deadline for application as you won’t be automatically transferred. Don’t worry, your letter will include all necessary instructions, according to officials. In the meantime, you can start preparing for your transition to Universal Credit.

You can calculate an estimate of how much you’re likely to receive on Universal Credit using an online benefits calculator. Be aware that your current benefits will cease immediately upon submission of your claim for Universal Credit. Once you’ve made a claim, you won’t be able to revert back to your previous government benefit.