The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be axing five 'legacy benefits' by 2024.
Universal Credit is set to replace a host of older benefits. The government confirmed that Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support and Housing Benefit will all come to an end by the final part of 2024. The migration from Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit was pushed back to 2028 by the Chancellor.
Legacy benefits are being replaced due to “complex and inefficient systems based on ageing, inflexible IT”, according to the Department. If a person thinks they will be better off on Universal Credit, then they can take action to move straight away, the Express reports.
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Universal Credit is available for people who are on a low income, need help with living costs, are working (including self-employed or part time), are out of work and/or have a health condition that affects their ability to work. Most people can no longer make a new claim for these benefits, so must apply for Universal Credit instead.
People moving to Universal Credit are to receive a two-week run-on of their Income Support, income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-Related Employment and Support Allowance. Those on Housing Benefit should receive a transitional two-week payment to Universal Credit Housing Payment.
People are encouraged to use an independent benefits calculator to check their entitlement. However, it will not always be suitable for claimants to switch to Universal Credit immediately.
Those who are unsure have been told to wait to be moved. The Government explains: “The transitional protection top-up payments only apply to claimants moved by DWP, and people cannot reclaim their old benefits after switching to Universal Credit.”
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