DWP Universal Credit claimants to be given an extra month of benefits for delays

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Universal Credit claimants can receive an additional month's payment if their application has been delayed. This backpay is available to those newly applying for Universal Credit if there are specific issues causing a delay in their application.

As more individuals are being transferred from older benefits to Universal Credit, the DWP has issued new guidance. Those on tax credits were instructed to make the switch before the end of March, and since then, letters have been sent to those on Housing Benefit and Income Support, asking them to transition to Universal Credit. This month (July), it's the turn of those receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with Child Tax Credits.

Those on income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or who receive income-related ESA either alone or with Housing Benefit are expected to transition in September. Individuals have three months to submit a new claim for Universal Credit before their existing benefits are terminated.

To help bridge the gap between old and new payments, there's a two-week run-on for people who receive income-based Jobseeker's JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support, or Housing Benefit. This means they continue to receive these benefits for two weeks after applying for Universal Credit, helping them during the five-week wait for their first UC payment, reports Birmingham Live.

Individuals facing difficulties with the application process or those who have encountered problems during the transition might be entitled to an additional month of Universal Credit, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In a recent update concerning backdating claims for Universal Credit, officials