DWP issues major Universal Credit update as it rolls out £15million boost

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a significant update to Universal Credit, with a £15 million boost being rolled out. This funding increase is aimed at the Help to Claim scheme, which assists thousands of individuals transitioning from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

The financial uplift will bolster the free and independent advice provided by Citizens Advice, in collaboration with Citizens Advice Scotland. Since its inception in 2019, this programme has aided over a million people in making a claim for Universal Credit.

This additional funding comes on the heels of an announcement made by Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves during her Budget speech, which outlined plans to expedite benefit reform. As a result, more than 800,000 individuals currently receiving the old ESA benefit are expected to transition to Universal Credit by March 2026, two years ahead of the original 2028 deadline.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, commented: "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 added: "I want to encourage anyone receiving a migration notice over the coming months to act without delay to secure quick access to benefit entitlement. The biggest reforms to employment support for a generation will also ensure more people get the help they need to get into work and on at work, by overhauling jobcentres, tackling inactivity with local work, health and skills plans, and delivering a Youth Guarantee," reports Birmingham Live.

Dame Clare Moriarty, the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, has commented on the support they provide to people transitioning from old benefits to Universal Credit: "Over the last five years our specially trained advisers have supported thousands of people across Britain to navigate the move from old benefits to Universal Credit. We make our service as accessible as possible, offering phone, chat and British Sign Language options, so we're there for people as they move over."

She added: "This funding boost is credit to the vital support our advisers provide and means we'll be able to help even more people make their first application."