Universal Credit

More than 2.5 million people on legacy benefits will start to be moved over to universal credit from today in an automatic process that was previously halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Government's own figures show that the move could leave 900,000 people worse off – though many others will see their circumstances improved. Here's all you need to know.

Millions will see benefit payments, such as universal credit and child benefit, rise from today under an uplift for the new financial year. If your family income is under £30,000 and you're not in receipt of any state support - it's worth spending 10 minutes to check if you're due benefits.

Up to seven million people in the UK are missing out on benefits they're entitled to, according to MSE founder Martin Lewis in the latest episode of his ITV show. He explained how to find out if you are, and also for those getting legacy benefits, such as income support or jobseeker's, how to check if you’d be better off on universal credit. Watch a brief extract below or see the full programme on the ITV Hub.

Campaigners have called on the Government to fix "absurd flaws" with the benefits system that prevent vulnerable people from getting help from family and friends to manage their universal credit accounts. Without this help, campaigners warn claimants ultimately risk losing their benefits.    

Millions of universal credit claimants will continue to get a £20/week uplift to their payments for a further six months, it was announced today, after Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a series of benefits adjustments in his 2021 Budget.

MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has warned of the "sinkhole" waiting for many self-employed people in November, when the planned return of the universal credit "minimum income floor" could mean payments are slashed. 

Pensioners who live together as a couple will only be able to make a new claim for pension credit when both partners are over the state pension age, under new rules set to come into effect in May - a change which could cost some £7,000 per year. If you'll be affected and are eligible to claim, do it ASAP to avoid missing out. 

Income tax cuts will be brought in a year earlier than planned and an extra £1 billion spent to help protect those moving onto universal credit, as part of the 2018 Budget unveiled by the Chancellor Philip Hammond.

Universal credit work allowances are to increase by £1,000 a year for working families and those with disabilities, meaning they could have an extra £630 a year in their pockets, the Chancellor revealed today.

A fifth of universal credit claimants are still receiving their first payment late, a new report reveals.