Benefits have changed
The benefits system has undergone a major change recently. Some benefits have been replaced while others might have different rules for claiming them.
This information tells you more about what’s happening. It explains which benefits are being abolished and which will stay in place.
It gives an overview of all the main benefits you may be getting whilst things are changing and explains the unique changes to benefits in Scotland.
Please note that some of the information in this section has been updated and will be valid from 1st April.
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Why have benefits changed?
There have been a number of changes to the UK benefits system.
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Moving to universal credit
The majority of people getting legacy benefits will be ‘invited’ to claim universal credit from late 2020.
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Legacy benefits you may still be getting
The move, or migration, of people from tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance and housing benefit to universal credit is expected to take years.
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Income based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
The move, or migration, of people from tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance and housing benefit to universal credit is expected to take years.
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Income related employment and support allowance (ESA)
The move, or migration, of people from tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance and housing benefit to universal credit is expected to take years.
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Housing benefit
The move, or migration, of people from tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance and housing benefit to universal credit is expected to take years.
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Benefits that are not being replaced by universal credit
The following are some of the benefits that are not being replaced by universal credit. You will continue to receive these or can make a new claim for them.
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Changes to benefits in Scotland
The Scottish Government have responsibility for some benefits and the option to change how others were administered. This means that some benefits in Scotland are different from those in the rest of the UK.
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Useful contacts
The Lone Parent Helpline provides support and advice on anything from dealing with a break-up, moving into work or sorting out child maintenance, benefits or tax credit issues.
