What benefits have changed?
There have been several changes to the UK benefits system in the last few years. The biggest change is the introduction of Universal Credit.
Universal Credit provides financial support for living expenses and rent to working age people both in and out of work. It has replaced income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, income related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. These are now called legacy benefits and have been abolished. Although many people still receive these legacy benefits you cannot make a new claim for them so have to apply for Universal Credit instead.
For more information on Universal Credit see: Universal Credit
How will the changes affect me?
If you are getting a legacy benefit you will be sent a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) asking you to claim Universal Credit instead. If your circumstances change before you are asked to claim Universal Credit you may have to apply for Universal Credit earlier.
Some benefits, including disability benefits, are being transferred from DWP to Scottish Government control. The new Scottish Social Security system is gradually introducing them.
For more details on Scottish benefits see: Benefits in Scotland
