DWP manage migration to Universal Credit to start in a few weeks
Changes are on the horizon for Universal Credit claimants, with policy and benefits shifts pushing many towards Universal Credit from their existing support arrangements. The move, termed 'managed migration', will see legacy benefits phased out for new claimants.
These encompass a selection of payments previously offered through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit.
You can find more comprehensive information on the transition to Universal Credit and any payment increases for current recipients below....
Universal Credit migration
The DWP is stepping up its efforts in the transition to Universal Credit. Initially, the DWP commenced the process with 60,000 notifications in February, with plans to intensify this figure to 83,000. Resolute on completing the migration, the final batch of notices is anticipated to be distributed by September.
The DWP stated that this gradual progression will "allow a little more time before the end of March 2026 to provide support for our more vulnerable customers and complete the migration of ESA cases to Universal Credit".
The DWP has allocated an extra £15 million to the Help to Claim initiative, bolstering support for over 800,000 people transitioning from ESA to Universal Credit by March 2026, which is two years earlier than the original 2028 deadline.
Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, recently stated: "This funding boost will support many people as they make the move from old benefits to Universal Credit - ensuring customers feel confident and informed throughout the application process."
He urged claimants to be proactive, saying: "I want to encourage anyone receiving a migration notice over the coming months to act without delay to secure quick access to benefit entitlement."
Sir Stephen also highlighted broader reforms, adding: "The biggest reforms to employment support for a generation will also ensure more people get the help they need to get into work and on at work, by overhauling Jobcentres, tackling inactivity with local work, health and skills plans, and delivering a Youth Guarantee."
The Help to Claim service is dedicated to providing expert guidance to those starting a new Universal Credit claim or transitioning from an older benefits system. The service ensures continuity of support until the claimant receives their first correct payment.
Payment increase
Labour has confirmed that the standard allowance of Universal Credit will surpass the rate of inflation for the remainder of the current government's term. Baroness Maeve Sherlock said: "The proposed increases are inflation (measured by CPI), plus: 2.3 percent in 2026/27, 3.1 percent in 2027/28, 4.0 percent in 2028/29 and 4.8 percent in 2029/30.
"As such, in each year, the rates will be what they would have been under CPI uprating and then increased by the relevant percentage figure."
The current Universal Credit rate is:
Single and under 25 - £316.98
Single and 25 or over - £400.14
Couple both under 25 - £497.55 (for you both)
Couple if either partner are 25 or over £628.10 (for you both)
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