The DWP has recently announced that claimants who receive ESA and Child Tax Credits will receive mandatory migration notices to move to UC between July and September 2024.
If you are in this situation, it is important to be well prepared for this move.
Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) reports that so far 27% of legacy benefits claimants subject to managed migration have not claimed UC but still had their legacy benefit claim terminated, losing an average of £300 a month. This is very worrying.
CPAG’s research highlights that “claimants did not have the information they needed or wanted to understand how moving to UC would affect them. Such misinformation and misunderstanding are likely to be reasons some people are not moving to UC despite having a strong financial incentive to do so”.
CHS customers who are being Managed Migrated can access support from:
Citizens Advice Help to Claim service
If you’re claiming UC for the first time, Citizens Advice Help to Claim service is free and confidential. They can help you:
- check if you’re entitled to UC.
- get your important paperwork and documents together to speed up your application.
- fill in the application online.
- prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment.
- check your first payment is correct.
Call: 0800 144 8444 Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. You can also talk to a trained adviser online through the Citizens Advice Help to Claim chat service.
Other resources:
Money Helper Universal Credit Guide
Government guidance – if you receive a Migration Notice letter