Universal Credit Transitional Protection: What is Universal Credit Transitional Protection
UNIVERSAL CREDIT TRANSITIONAL PROTECTION is a relatively unknown means of topping up your Universal Credit payments. But what is it and how much could you get?
Universal Credit: Will Quince discusses wait for first payment
Universal Credit Transitional Protection is used when legacy benefit claimants move to Universal Credit as part of a process called managed migration. But what exactly does this mean and does it mean you could be entitled to a top-up payment?
What is Universal Credit Transitional Protection?
Universal Credit Transitional Protection is an additional payment which is intended to help transitional periods.
This payment tops up a recipient’s Univeral Credit award so that they are not worse off when moving onto Universal Credit through managed migration.
It is aimed at ensuring those transferring over from legacy benefits do not lose out.
READ MORE: Universal Credit: DWP faces High Court compensation claim
Who is eligible for Universal Credit Transitional Protection?
This protection package is only available for some people.
Transitional Protection is only available to people who have moved over to Universal Credit even though there have been no changes to warrant this and prompt them to start a new benefit claim.
These people are classified as managed migrants.
The managed migration pilot began in July 2019 and is due to be expanded elsewhere from July 2020.
It is thought the whole managed migration process will be completed by the end of 2023.
How does managed migration work?
The current regulations mean only 10,000 awards of Universal Credit can be made under the managed migration banner.
Once this number has been hit, new regulations will be required.
The regulations permit the Department of Work and Pensions to send a migration notice to a person claiming existing benefits.
This letter will explain what you need to do and if you Universal Credit entitlement is less than your entitlement to legacy benefits, you will receive a transitional amount to tip up your Universal Credit.
DON'T MISS
Universal Credit Flexible Support Fund: What is Flexible Support Fund? [INSIGHT]
Universal Credit: How much savings can you have on Universal Credit? [EXPLAINER]
DWP issues important update ushering in change for benefit claimants [PICTURES]
Who is not eligible for Universal Credit Transitional Protection?
Most Universal Credit claimants are people who have had a change which means they have had to make a new benefit claim.
In addition, this means anyone making a new claim for Universal Credit.
These people are called natural migrants and Universal Credit Transitional Protection is not available to these individuals.
How much Universal Credit Transitional Protection could you get?
This payment is only available to some people and is dependent on the gap between your legacy benefits and your new Universal Credit award.
Your transitional protection amount will top your Universal Credit up so that it matches your previous benefit income.
This means you will not be left any worse off due to the move to Universal Credit.
How long can you get Universal Credit Transitional Protection for?
Transitional Protection will apply until one of the following is met:
- Your Universal Credit award increases to reach the same amount you were receiving from the benefits it replaced
- Your Universal Credit entitlement decreases to nothing
- You have a significant change of circumstance.