There are many changes to the UK benefits system at the moment which is sometimes referred to as Welfare Reform. This page will be updated with information on the latest changes and also some useful links to other budgeting tools. We also have a range of our own factsheets about benefits which you will find in the related links below.
Universal Credit Benefits Update
- Department of Work and Pensions are currently undergoing a managed migration to universal credit, this means that Universal Credit are combining a range of legacy benefits including job seekers allowance (JSA), employment support allowance (ESA) and Housing Benefit. These benefits will no longer exist after December 2026.
- Anyone can choose to claim universal credit, but tenants in supported accommodation should remain claiming housing benefit for your rent.
- Any change is circumstances will result in a move to universal credit.
- Once claiming universal credit you cannot be moved back to legacy benefits.
How Your Income May Affect Universal Credit Claims
- Benefits which are disregarded for your universal credit claim include child benefit,
child maintenance, personal independence payment, scottish child payments, adult disability
payment, child disability payment, DLA, AA and charitable/voluntary payments. - Unearned income which will reduce your universal credit claim include employment support allowance, job seekers allowance, carers allowance, pensions, spousal maintenance.
- Student income - counts over academic year, maximum available
including student loan, £110 per month is considered.
Earnings - 55% of earnings are considered as well as self employed profits.
