Don’t rush to change to Universal Credit after receiving information leaflet, says advice charity

• People claiming tax credits have been receiving an information-only leaflet from the DWP about an upcoming move to Universal Credit
• It’s important not to rush to change to Universal Credit until receipt of the migration letter – which gives a deadline – as opposed to the leaflet
• Changing after receiving the migration letter means there is protection in place to ensure people are not negatively financially affected by the move

Anyone who has received a leaflet about the change from tax credits to Universal Credit should not rush into switching, an advice charity said.

Tax credit claimants are now receiving leaflets from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The leaflets advise them of the imminent change to Universal Credit.

But the leaflets are not the same as migration letters. These mean recipients will have to make a claim for Universal Credit within three months of receiving the letter.

The leaflets are for information only and do not mean that a switch needs to be made there and then.

Anyone who switches before receiving the migration letter will not be entitled to transitional protection.

This is a top-up to cover the difference if the amount someone is entitled to on tax credits is more than they would receive on Universal Credit.

As a result, it is important not to rush into making a change until receipt of the migration letter as opposed to the informational leaflet.

Anyone who has received a leaflet or migration letter and is unsure of what to do can contact Citizens Advice’s Help To Claim service.

Clients who have received the leaflet are confused

Emmanuelle Claverie is Lead Supervisor at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire and leads a team of Advisers.

She said the charity has received a lot of calls from people who have received these leaflets and are confused.

She said: “The DWP has been sending leaflets to tax credit claimants to inform them of the fact they will be asked to move onto Universal Credit at some point in the next 18 months.

“The leaflet is for information only.

“They don’t need to apply for Universal Credit  until they get a migration letter and the migration letter will have the date by which they need to apply.

“Not only are people panicking but they are applying for Universal Credit without the transitional protection.

“It’s really important people realise the difference between the leaflet and the migration notice – which will give them protection to make sure their change to Universal Credit does not impact them financially.

“If they apply without the letter, they will not get that protection.

“Clients could be better off on Universal Credit – but to find out they need to call Help To Claim on the national number.

“A qualified Adviser will be able to check their current situation and check whether they have received the migration notice.”

The national Help To Claim telephone number in England is 0800 144 8 444. The service can also be reached via: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim/

Anyone in South Gloucestershire seeking free, independent, impartial and confidential advice from Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire can call 0808 278 7947.

The charity’s opening times and contact details are available at: www.southgloscab.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us/