The final ‘Move to UC' Migration Notices have been issued by the
Department for Communities to people still receiving Tax Credits.
Tax credits will end in April 2025 and recipients
must make a Universal Credit (UC) claim
if they are to continue to receive financial support.
Those still in receipt of Tax Credits who have received a
Migration Notice have three months from the date of their letter
to make a claim to UC.
Universal Credit has been in place here since September 2017,
replacing new claims to Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's
Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance,
Housing Benefit (rental) and tax credits.
The ‘Move to UC' involves moving those who are still in receipt
of these benefits and tax credits to Universal Credit.
The Department is urging Tax Credits recipients who think they
may not be eligible to claim UC to avail of the advice and
support available.
Communities Minister said: “It is
important that Tax Credits recipients take action now that all
migration notice letters have been issued.
“If an individual chooses not to ‘Move to UC' then their
financial support will stop when Tax Credits come to an end in
April 2025.
“Universal Credit is a payment for people on a low income
or out of work. I want to ensure that people receive the
financial support they are entitled to. My Department can assist
with that through its dedicated telephony team and face-to-face
support at local Jobs and Benefits offices as well as online
information at nidirect. People can also seek independent welfare
advice on the Move to UC.”
Support and advice on the Move to UC, including information on
transitional protection; savings and investment levels over
£16,000; and self-employment rules is available via:
- A dedicated UC telephony team on 0800 012 1331
- Information online at nidirect
- Local Jobs and Benefits offices
Independent advice on Universal Credit and welfare changes is
also available by contacting:
- Advice NI on 0800 915 4604
- Housing Rights
- Money Helper
People do not need to take action unless they have
received a Migration Notice letter from the Department for
Communities.
Notes to editors
- Quarterly Universal Credit Statistics were released on 27
November 2024 and can be found on the Department for Communities
website
- Universal Credit is a working age payment for people over 18
but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of
work. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and
childcare, along with financial support for people with
disabilities, carers and people too ill to work.
- UC is being implemented here in line with the policy agreed
by the Northern Ireland Executive.
