Statistical evidence provided by Turn2Us, a British anti-poverty charity, has highlighted the concerns of hundreds of thousands of people across the nation losing support as they transition from older benefits to the Universal Credit system.
Universal Credit was introduced in 2013 with the aim of simplifying the benefits system by replacing several pre-existing benefits, including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) temporarily paused this transition during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed the process in July 2022.
### Disruption in Benefit Payments
Despite its original intent, it seems many individuals receiving these older benefits have seen their payments halted altogether, rather than seamlessly transitioning to the new system. Between July 2022 and March 2023, the DWP issued approximately 4,280 managed migration notices to benefit recipients in Oxfordshire. Alarmingly, 42%—equivalent to around 1,810 cases—resulted in a complete termination of benefits.
The DWP initially projected only 3% of households would lose their benefits during the managed shift to Universal Credit. However, updated estimates showed 26% of tax credit-only households and 4% of legacy benefits recipients would see their benefits terminated. Nationally, 22% of existing benefits claimants lost support between July 2022 and March 2023.
### Turn2Us Voices Concerns
Turn2Us has publicly expressed deep concern about the significant number of people left without a benefits safety net. Claire Atchia McMaster, the charity’s Director of Income and External Affairs, stressed that many individuals relying on legacy benefits have complex needs and may lack access to the digital resources required to manage their transition to Universal Credit.
“It is crucial that the process of contacting and supporting these individuals is carefully managed. They need adequate time, tailored information, and personalised support for a smooth transition to Universal Credit,” stated McMaster.
### Impact in Oxfordshire
Locally, around 9% of recipients in Oxfordshire who received migration notices have yet to make the switch to Universal Credit, highlighting the extent of the uncertainty and disruption. McMaster also pointed out the five-week wait associated with Universal Credit, which can create significant financial strain during the transition.
### Protections for Affected Households
In some cases, the DWP offers financial protection to households receiving less under Universal Credit than they did with their previous benefits. Nationally, between July 2022 and March, approximately 166,860 households took advantage of this safeguard, including 830 in Oxfordshire.
A DWP spokesperson assured that most tax credit claimants have transitioned smoothly to Universal Credit, noting that of the half a million invitations sent out by March 2023, only 30 official complaints were made. They emphasized the availability of support, including extensions for those facing challenges in completing the migration process.
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