Not applying in time will result in payments being stopped
A charity is reminding Scottish benefits claimants to take action as a key date approaches for the switch to Universal Credit.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national advice service advice.scot, said that households should prepare for changes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to move more people to the single-payment system.
Universal Credit, which is gradually replacing six older forms of benefits and tax credits (known as legacy benefits), requires people to apply at the right time or risk having their payments stopped suddenly.
Under the latest phase, those currently receiving Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) will be sent a migration notice in September.
Additionally, letters are going out to tax credit claimants who have reached state pension age, inviting them to claim Universal Credit or Pension Credit, depending on their circumstances.
Advice Direct Scotland is reminding people that the move to Universal Credit is not automatic, and they will need to apply by the deadline stated in the letter, typically within three months. Not applying in time will result in their payments being stopped.
Those unable to apply for Universal Credit by the deadline can request an extension from the DWP, provided they do so before the specified date in their letter.
Advice Direct Scotland stressed the need for people to check their mail and ensure they do not ignore or discard migration notices.
Claims can be made online through the gov.uk website, by phone through the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline at 0800 169 0328, or in person at a local JobCentre.
Some people may receive less money on Universal Credit than they typically got from their previous benefits.
In such cases, they should automatically receive ‘transitional protection payments’, which are designed to bridge the gap.
To be eligible for these additional payments, claimants must have received a migration notice and apply by the deadline specified in their letter.
Universal Credit is usually paid once a month. In Scotland, individuals can request to receive payments twice a month instead.
They also have the option to have some of their Universal Credit paid directly to their landlord.
Advice Direct Scotland stressed that it is crucial for people who are used to receiving weekly or fortnightly benefit payments to check their bills and direct debits.
They should assess whether they can manage financially before the transition and consider requesting a change in how often they receive payments.
Additionally, if possible, it is advised to set aside some money every week to prepare for the gap in payments during the changeover.
Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With thousands more Scots being notified of the move to Universal Credit, it’s vital that they understand the next steps and how it will affect them.
“The ongoing cost of living crisis and further rises in energy prices are putting incredible strain on household budgets, so people should ensure they are getting all the support they are entitled to.
“We urge households to check their mail and remember that the move to Universal Credit is not automatic.
“Once people receive their migration notice, they should use the three-month window to review everything and ensure they are ready to apply for Universal Credit, as well as any 'transitional protection' they may be eligible for.
“Help is available for anyone who is worried or confused. Advice Direct Scotland’s experts are here to offer a wide range of services to everyone at no cost, regardless of personal circumstances.”
Anyone feeling worried or unsure about what to do can reach out for support from advice.scot’s benefits advisers, who can also help ensure they are claiming all the support they are entitled to.
The team can be reached on 0808 800 9060 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or through www.advice.scot.
Advice Direct Scotland also offers an online benefits calculator that helps individuals assess their entitlement to both devolved and reserved benefits.
