Are You Prepared For Changes To Benefits?

Many people in the UK are still on what is called ‘legacy benefits’ including Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance and Income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Are you one of those people?

By the end of 2024, most will have switched over to the Universal Credit (UC). If you are still receiving a legacy benefit, make sure you’re ready for the changes and take the necessary action to avoid losing your current benefits.

When Do You Need To Claim Universal Credit?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out Credit Migration Notices to the individuals affected by the changes. When you receive your letter, you should make your claim for Universal Credit.

Credit Migration Notices

When you receive your notice letter from the DWP, read it carefully as it will tell you all you need to know about your benefits – which ones are being stopped and whether you need to make a claim for Universal Credit.

This letter will also tell you when you need to make your claim for Universal Credit by. Each notice gives individuals a 3-month period to claim. It’s important you take action in this time, or you risk your current benefits being stopped.

Which Benefits Are Being Replaced By Universal Credit?

There are six tax credits being stopped which will be replaced by Universal Credit:

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

What Happens When You Make A Claim?

Once you’ve made your claim for Universal Credit, your old benefits will be stopped. It then takes approximately 5 weeks for you to receive your first Universal Credit payment.

What Can Nehemiah Do To Help?

Providing a caring and supportive environment for our tenants is at the heart of all we do – and we are here to help if you need advice relating to your Credit Migration Notice or claiming Universal Credit.

As well as calling the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline on 0800 169 0328, you can visit Gov.uk for further information and guidance.

Benefit Changes in the Autumn Statement

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also announced changes to benefits in his recent Autumn Statement a summary of which can be found here, and also visit Nehemiah’s Tenant Wellbeing pages for advice on money, cost of living and paying your rent.

Furthermore, you can contact your Housing Officer or call us on 0121 358 0966 or email contact@nehemiah.co.uk and we will do all we can to support you.