Ellie Ames 31 August 2023

Claimants losing benefits in ‘managed migration’ to UC

Claimants losing benefits in ‘managed migration’ to UC image
Image: michaelasbest / Shutterstock.com

More than a quarter of claimants who are required to move to universal credit (UC) have not claimed UC and have had their tax credits stopped as a result, new analysis has revealed.

Under its ‘managed migration’ process, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans for the 1.8 million households who claim tax credits and other older benefits to be transferred to UC by the end of 2024-25.

After receiving a ‘migration notice’ from the DWP, claimants have three months to claim UC.

However, 28% of claimants who received a notice between November 2022 and March 2023 did not claim UC and had their benefit payments terminated by the DWP, the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) found.

A further 5% made a claim after their deadline.

CPAG chief executive Alison Garnham said: ‘An alarm is ringing loud and clear for the DWP – unless it gets more help to the families it’s migrating to UC, they could lose a financial lifeline.

‘We and many others warned all along that not every family would successfully claim UC within the deadline and that terminating their current benefits is draconian and potentially disastrous for the children concerned.’

A DWP spokesperson said: ‘We alert people three months before they need to move to Universal Credit and follow up with reminder letters and texts. Evidence shows most Tax Credit claimants have been able to claim Universal Credit without the need for additional support.

‘Extensions can be arranged for those who need more time to make a claim and support is available in local jobcentres and via a dedicated DWP helpline. Benefits are only ever stopped as a last resort after multiple unsuccessful attempts to engage with claimants.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director – Adult Social Care, Health & Wellbeing

Sefton Borough Council
£131,208 (Hay 1)
Lead with Purpose. Build on Excellence. Shape the Future of Health and Wellbeing in Sefton. Sefton (Metropolitan borough), Merseyside
Recuriter: Sefton Borough Council

Strategic Finance Business Partners (five roles)

Nottingham City Council
up to £80k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner