personal finance

Which benefits does Universal Credit replace? Next phase of UK roll out has begun


Universal Credit payments may be made to a person in order to help with their living costs, such as if they are on a low income or are out of work. The amount is made up of a monthly standard allowance, which depends on one’s age bracket, as well as if they’re applying as a single person or a couple. It may be that the eligible applicant are able to get additional amounts. This may be due to them having children, having a disability or health condition, or being a carer for a severely disabled person.

Support for covering housing costs may also be available, with the amount of the payment depending on age and circumstances.

Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits:

  • Child Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit is currently available for new applicants, and existing benefits claimants who have had a change in circumstances.

This first phases of the roll out to Jobcentres was completed in 2018.

A pilot scheme for the movement of legacy benefits recipients onto Universal Credit began last month.

The trial is taking place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

It will see up to 10,000 legacy benefit claimants who have not had a change of circumstance move onto Universal Credit.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said the pilot will last for at least a year.

READ MORE: What Universal Credit claimants should do to AVOID facing penalty charge on prescriptions

The DWP also said that it would initially select claimants for the trial from those currently attending the Jobcentre for meetings with their work coach.

It added that everyone taking part in the pilot would receive personalised support and work coaches will establish whether someone is ready to move and build on their existing relationships to prepare claimants and support them through the process.

They have also said that once ready, claimants are given a migration notice which gives them at least three months to submit a claim for Universal Credit.

Legacy benefits recipients whose circumstances remain the same move onto Universal Credit as part of the process but see their entitlements change, will be eligible for transitional protection.

READ MORE: When is Universal Credit coming to my area? The latest phase of the roll out is underway



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