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Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP to end six benefits by 2026: What Claimants Need to Know
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info People on certain benefits are being encouraged to take action if they want to keep receiving payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing with the phasing out of older benefits for millions this year. A few years ago, the DWP started transitioning individuals on specific benefits, known as legacy benefits, over to universal credit, which was launched in 2013. This process, known as managed migration, has been gradually implemented over several years, with individuals being informed that they would be transitioned and, in some cases, would need to make a universal credit claim, reports WalesOnline. Full-scale managed migration began in April 2023, extending to different regions of Great Britain. The six legacy benefits being phased out include: Child and working tax credit Income-based jobseeker's allowance Income support Income-related employment Support allowance Housing benefit Tax credit is the first of 2025's legacy benefit closures. As per the DWP website, the benefit will cease in April 2025, meaning recipients must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits. Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for universal credit. Moreover, the planned transition of approximately 800,000 recipients of income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) alone, or income-related ESA in conjunction with housing benefit, has been expedited. This had initially been postponed to 2028/29. The DWP commenced issuing migration notices to these claimants in September 2024, with the goal of notifying all individuals in this group by December 2025. The DWP intends to transfer all legacy benefit recipients to universal credit by March 2026, finalising the rollout and ceasing all legacy benefits by this date. Here is the full timeline of managed migration: April 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. June 2024: Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. July 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. August 2024: Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. September 2024: Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. December 2025: The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29. The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29. March 2026: All legacy benefit claims are scheduled to be closed Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Parents missing out on official scheme that could save £2,000
Many parents are missing out on a scheme that could save up to £2,000 a year for each child, a payroll specialist says. Robert King, director of nanny payroll services at Nannywage Ltd, is encouraging parents to make use of the lesser-known facility. And he said it could save them hundreds on childcare costs this summer, reports Lancs Live. Robert said: "The Tax-free Childcare Scheme allows working parents to save up to £2,000 per child annually on approved childcare costs, with the savings capped at £500 every three months, or £1,000 for children with disabilities. "Over the summer holidays, parents can benefit significantly, as the scheme provides a government top-up of £2 for every £8 deposited into the account. This is a great way to manage rising childcare costs while keeping flexibility to withdraw unused funds if plans change." According to the director, it does not take long at all to sort. Robert said: "Families can apply online for Tax-free Childcare through the government website in just 20 minutes. Once the account is set up, parents can deposit money immediately and use it to pay for nurseries, childminders, summer activity clubs, and other approved providers. Any unused money can be withdrawn at any time." There are criteria to take part. To qualify, each parent must earn at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage, but no more than £100,000 annually. The scheme is not available to those receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit, or childcare vouchers. For self-employed individuals or directors, proof of income, such as accountant statements, invoices, or bank statements, may be required to confirm eligibility. The scheme supports children aged 11 or under, or up to 16 if they have disabilities. Eligibility ends on September 1 following the child's 11th or 16th birthday, depending on their circumstances. It comes as a recent study has shown that 61% of parents feel the strain to overspend during the summer holidays, with 51% worried they won't be able to afford a holiday this year. The average weekly cost of childcare has risen by 11.41% since 2023.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Universal Credit households can get 10 free days out this half term – see the full list
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FAMILIES on Universal Credit can bag up to 10 bargain days out this May half term – with some attractions slashing prices to just £1 or even free of charge. With budgets squeezed tighter than ever, thousands of Brits claiming means-tested benefits can still enjoy top UK hotspots without breaking the bank. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 There's plenty of free and cheap days out for families on Universal Credit Credit: Alamy The half term fun kicks off this weekend and runs through to Sunday 1 June, with some of the country's biggest attractions offering discounted entry to help ease the cost of days out. From zoos and palaces to museums and gardens, we've rounded up the best deals for those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Tax Credits and other benefits. York Castle Museum – FREE Step into Britain's past at this popular Yorkshire museum. Claimants can get in totally free – and that's a saving of up to £17 per adult. Kids under five also go free, making this a great day out for families on a budget. Tate exhibitions – FREE Entry to the main galleries is free, but exhibition access at Tate Britain, Tate Modern and Tate Liverpool is just £5 for benefit claimants. You'll need to show benefit proof when attending. Kew Gardens – £1 entry Wander through 300 acres of stunning green space and glasshouses at London's iconic garden spot for just £1. Anyone receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit qualifies. You can bring up to four extra guests, though they'll need standard-price tickets. You can also bring up to four guests – though they'll pay full price – and you must book online. ITVX teams up with HayU for 750 hours of new TV Historic Royal Palaces – £1 per person Get royal treatment on a budget with £1 tickets to the Tower of London, Kensington Palace or Hampton Court Palace. You'll need proof of benefit, but you can take up to five guests with you on the discount. Standard adult tickets can cost up to £33.60 – so this is a huge saving. RHS Gardens – £1 tickets for six The Royal Horticultural Society is offering £1 access to its gardens, including Wisley, Harlow Carr and more. You're eligible if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Tax Credits. The deal applies to benefit claimants plus five guests. London Transport Museum – £1 annual pass Just £1 gets you a full year's entry to the London Transport Museum. This applies to those on either Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Tax Credits. Bring your benefit letter and get access again and again for less than the price of a Tube ride. Westminster Abbey – £1 adult, free child One of London's most iconic landmarks now offers £1 entry to Universal Credit holders, plus one child goes free. All you need is your benefit letter on the day. With up to £60 in savings per visit, these deals could help families cram in multiple days out for less than a tenner – just in time for the school break. Make sure to check the terms and book in advance where needed, and don't forget to bring proof of your benefit when visiting. London Zoo – from £3 Animal fans can grab tickets from just £3 per person – a steal compared to the usual £34.50 adult rate. Meaning that two adults can save over £60. The deal covers up to six people per household – but you'll need to book online and bring benefit proof on the day. The deal is available to those on Universal Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA, Housing Benefit, Tax Credits and Pension Credit. Chatsworth House – from £3 Explore the grand house, gardens and farmyard for just £3 if you're on Universal Credit. Kids aged 3–16 pay £1 and under-threes go free. Proof is needed and tickets must be pre-booked. Edinburgh Zoo – tickets from £7 Up in Scotland? Families on Universal Credit can enjoy the zoo for as little as £7 per person. Again, online booking and proof is required.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP Universal Credit migration update as tax credits end
The deadline for people to move from tax credits to Universal Credit has passed Six legacy benefits are being incorporated into the Universal Credit system as part of the DWP migration. Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits officially ceased on April 5 as part of this transition. The deadline for people receiving Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits to secure transitional protection has also passed. However, this doesn't necessarily mean your benefits have to be completely cut off. As part of the migration process, everyone receiving Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits should have received a migration letter from the DWP. This letter outlined their next steps to transition to Universal Credit and their own personal deadline to complete these steps in order to secure transitional protection. Transitional protection guaranteed people moving between benefits that they wouldn't lose money even if they didn't meet specific requirements for Universal Credit or if they would be eligible less on the new system. For instance, if an worker was claiming £800 a month through Tax Credits, but would only be eligible for £600 a month on Universal Credit, they would be granted £200 of transitional protection to receive a total of £800 per month on Universal Credit. This ensures the migration doesn't leave any claimants financially worse off. If you missed your transitional protection deadline or didn't act on the migration letter at all, your legacy benefits will cease. But you can still claim Universal Credit. You must fulfil all the requirements for Universal Credit and apply through the standard claim process. It's worth noting that you won't receive transitional protection, so your Universal Credit may be less than your previous legacy benefit. If you're unable to meet the deadline specified in your migration notice for a valid reason, you can reach out to the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline. They might be able to extend your claim period, but typically, this needs to be requested before the deadline. The helpline operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on 0800 169 0328. If you're currently receiving legacy benefits, it's crucial to remember that you only need to take action if you get a migration notice instructing you to claim Universal Credit or if your circumstances alter. Tax Credits are the first benefits to officially cease under the migration. The following benefits are also set to end soon:.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP sending letters to thousands of people ahead of key benefit being axed
Households claiming income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) still need to be moved to Universal Credit - we explain when you'll likely receive a letter from the DWP in the post Thousands of benefit claimants are being urged to keep an eye out for letters from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP is replacing older benefits with Universal Credit in a process called 'managed migration'. The majority of people affected by this change should have already been moved over to Universal Credit by now. Existing claims for Tax Credits, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit have now been closed - but households claiming income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) still need to be moved to Universal Credit. When it is your turn to start claiming Universal Credit, you'll receive a "migration notice" in the post. This will give you a three-month deadline to move across to Universal Credit. If you don't claim Universal Credit by the end of your three-month deadline, your existing benefits will stop. The DWP is increasing the number of migration notices sent each month to 83,000, according to The Sun. The aim is for all remaining ESA claimants set to be contacted by September 2025. The DWP wants everyone moved to Universal Credit by March 2026. This deadline was originally set for the end of 2028 but has been brought forward. You can choose to move over to Universal Credit earlier, if you think you will be better off on Universal Credit - but you need to do your research first. You cannot move back to your old benefits once you have started your claim for Universal Credit. These benefits calculators will give you a rough idea of what you could claim on Universal Credit: Policy in Practice calculator entitledto calculator Turn2us calculator If it looks like you'll be better off, seek advice from Citizens Advice or Turn2Us before applying for Universal Credit, as they'll be able to talk you through exactly how your payments will change. This can include how often you'll be paid, how payments can be reduced if you fall into debt, or any work commitments you'll likely be required to sign up to. The DWP claims 55% of people will be better off on Universal Credit, and 35% would be worse off. The rest will see no change. If you'll be worse off on Universal Credit, you can get monthly transition payments which make up any shortfall - but only if you wait to be moved across through "managed migration". The transitional protection lasts until there is no difference between your new Universal Credit award and what you received before under legacy benefits. You should also note that you'll have to wait five weeks for your first Universal Credit payment, although some legacy benefits including income-related ESA will "run on" for two weeks to help bridge that gap.
