People making a new claim for Universal Credit must provide these five things before application can proceed

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of January 2023 there were 5.9 million people claiming Universal Credit.

The means-tested benefit is a payment designed to help people on a low income, out of work, or if they cannot work due to ill health or caring responsibilities.DWP also recently announced that from this month, more people on Tax Credits will be asked to claim Universal Credit as the UK Government expands the migration of legacy benefit claimants to the modern benefit system.

DWP said that by migrating to Universal Credit, claimants will continue to receive the benefit they are entitled to through a future-proofed modern benefits system.Universal Credit provides a vital safety net for millions of people every year, enabling them to support themselves and their families through its online digital system which allows claimants to access their benefits more easily and quickly amend their claim to reflect a change in their circumstances.DWP also said that in most cases, individuals will be better off financially following a move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit.

However, where someone’s entitlement to Universal Credit would be lower than their legacy benefits entitlement, in the vast majority of cases, they will receive a top-up payment known as Transitional Protection.Transitional Protection means that their Universal Credit entitlement will be the same as their legacy benefit entitlement at the point they move.Universal Credit will replace the following benefits:There are five things people need to make a claim for Universal Credit:Most Universal Credit claimants manage their Universal Credit claim through their online account.