Universal credit changes coming in rest of 2025 - and first comes this friday

THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS (DWP) IS MAKING A NUMBER OF CHANGES TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT IN THE COMING MONTHS - WITH THE FIRST SET TO COME INTO EFFECT IN JUST 48 HOURS 10:39, 22 May 2025

There a number of Universal Credit changes coming down the pipeline in the remainder of 2025 - with the initial shift occurring this Friday. Individuals receiving Universal Credit are

bracing themselves for an onslaught of changes in the months to come, with a major shake-up merely hours away. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is intensifying its Universal Credit

migration push. Having commenced in February by sending out 60,000 notifications, it now aims to amplify this figure to 83,000. This procedure, which kicked off in July 2022, is scheduled

to wrap up by March 2026. The DWP is currently reaching out to those claiming ESA, who will be given a three-month window to make the switch - failure to do so may result in loss of existing

benefits. To date, 200,000 claimants have made the successful transition to Universal Credit, while roughly 400,000 have yet to make the leap, reports Birmingham Live. MIGRATION TO

UNIVERSAL CREDIT In an effort to overhaul the system, the Government has opted to axe five "legacy benefits" and instead transition recipients to Universal Credit via a process

dubbed "managed migration". Article continues below Government estimates suggest that 1.4 million individuals will reap the benefits of Universal Credit, with an additional 300,000

experiencing no change in payments. Conversely, some 900,000 will find themselves worse off under the Universal Credit umbrella. Around 600,000 folks are set to pocket top-up payments as

they switch to Universal Credit without losing a penny straight away. Sir Stephen Timms MP, the big cheese for Social Security and Disability, chirped: "This funding boost will support

many people as they make the move from old benefits to Universal Credit - ensuring customers feel confident and informed throughout the application process." He urged: "I want to

encourage anyone receiving a migration notice over the coming months to act without delay to secure quick access to benefit entitlement." PAYMENTS INCREASE From April, Universal Credit

standard allowance (monthly) rates have jumped to £316.98 (up from £311.68) for single under-25s, and £400.14 (up from £393.45) for singletons aged 25 or over. Couples both under 25 are

looking at £497.55 (up from £489.23), while those with one or both aged 25+ will bag £628.10 (up from £617.60). The extra quid for kids? £339 (up from £333.33) for the first nipper, and for

any born after April 6, 2017, or additional sprogs, it's £292.81 (up from £287.92). For kiddos with disabilities, the lower rate is now £158.76 (up from £156.11) and the higher rate is

a hefty £495.87 (up from £487.58). If you've got limited capability, that's £158.76 (up from £156.11) in your pocket. If you're doing work-related activities, expect £423.27

(up from £416.19). And if you're caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week, you'll get £201.68 (up from £198.31). The increased work allowance (excluding

housing) is now £684 (up from £673), and the lower work allowance (including housing) is £411 (up from £404). Article continues below EARLY PAYMENTS Universal Credit recipients should also

be aware of early payments this month. This is due to the Spring bank holiday falling on Monday, May 26 - a day when Universal Credit was scheduled to be disbursed. This implies that some

claimants will receive their payment earlier, on Friday, May 23 instead.