The Govt has announced that the movement of "legacy" benefits claimants to universal credit will resume next month. The process, which had been paused due to the pandemic, is set to be completed by the end of 2024 and includes all those currently still claiming housing benefit rather than universal credit.

The 6 legacy benefits coming to an end are: Income related employment and support allowance, income based jobseeker's allowance, working tax credit, child tax credit, income support and housing benefit for those of working age.

Household support fund payments and discretionary housing payments will still be available for those in need of additional assistance. Those claiming housing benefit will receive a 2 week transition to universal credit housing payment.

Although claimants are able to choose to move to UC straightaway before being moved by DWP it is advised that if they are unsure whether they would be better off then they should wait to be moved by DWP as that way they will receive any transitional payments but if they choose to move early they will not be able to claim any left over legacy benefits they may have been entitled to before moving.