New Universal Credit changes are now in effect with thousands of claimants to receive one-off payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that over a million households will soon receive a one-off lump sum of £149 in their bank accounts.
The lump sum payment will be paid to those switching from one of the legacy benefits that Universal Credit is replacing.
According to the Daily Record, the rule changes came into effect on July 22 and the DWP says that over a million households are set to gain from the two-week run-on.
Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said: “This one-off payment will provide additional support as claimants move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit.
“It doesn’t have to be paid back and won’t affect their UC award, so is welcome extra cash in pockets.”
Run-on payments will include other premiums that claimants have been receiving prior to moving over to Universal Credit, including:
- Enhanced Disability Premium
- Carer Premium
- ESA work-related activity component
From March 1, 2020 to May 26, 2020, the DWP has received more than 3 million individual claims for Universal Credit as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic impact.
Which legacy benefits are being replaced by Universal Credit?
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
