The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing a significant change that will affect thousands of individuals currently receiving certain benefits. As part of the transition to Universal Credit, the DWP is planning to provide an additional two weeks’ worth of payments to those on specific benefits.

The benefits being phased out as part of this ‘managed migration’ to Universal Credit include Income Support, Housing Benefit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Working Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit. While the last two are managed by HMRC, the remaining benefits are administered by DWP.

For individuals claiming tax credits, it’s crucial to note that these will cease upon applying for Universal Credit. Failing to make a timely claim will result in the termination of tax credits on the day of the deadline.

However, for those currently receiving income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, or Housing Benefit, there is a provision in place. After applying for Universal Credit, individuals meeting the eligibility criteria for their current benefits will continue to receive their existing payments for an additional two weeks. This adjustment aims to assist recipients in adapting to the monthly payment schedule of Universal Credit.