The date for the complete implementation of Universal Credit for
the move of current claimants on legacy benefits has been
extended to 2024.
As the number of people moving onto Universal Credit from the old
benefit system is lower than forecast, with 900,000 more than
expected remaining on the old system, a further nine months will
be added to the estimated completion date.
This is based on the estimated transfer of 100,000 claimants per
month and is attributed to the robustness of the labour market -
due in part to low unemployment and fewer people than expected
experiencing a change of circumstances.
Claimants will not lose money from their Universal Credit award
due to this forecasting change.
Universal Credit offers support to more than 2.8 million people,
including some of the most vulnerable in society.
Minister for Welfare Delivery said:
“Universal Credit is the biggest change to the welfare system in
a generation, bringing together six overlapping benefits into one
monthly payment and offering support to some of the most
vulnerable people in society.
“It is right that we revisit our forecasts and plan, and re-plan
accordingly - ensuring that the process is working well for
people on benefits.
“Claimants will not lose money due to this forecasting change.”
ENDS
Additional Information
How does this affect the ‘Move to Universal Credit’ pilot in
Harrogate
A scheme to determine how best to help people move from legacy
benefits to Universal Credit is ongoing in Harrogate.
We are considering options to widen the scope of this pilot and
accelerate learnings to support the Move to Universal Credit.
This extension increases the forecast completion date for moving
people from the old benefit system onto Universal Credit. People
do not have to do anything with their benefit claim for now.
Further announcements about the process for how and when people
will be moved will be made in due course
