20/01/2025
Tax Credits Recipients Urged To Claim Universal Credit
The Department for Communities has issued the final 'Move to UC' Migration Notices to individuals still receiving Tax Credits.
Tax Credits will be phased out in April 2025, and recipients must submit a Universal Credit (UC) claim to ensure continued financial support.
Those who have received a Migration Notice have a three-month window to make a UC claim. Introduced in September 2017, Universal Credit replaced previous benefits such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and Housing Benefit.
The 'Move to UC' initiative aims to transition all remaining recipients of these benefits and Tax Credits to the Universal Credit system.
The Department is urging any Tax Credits recipient who believes they may not be eligible for UC to seek advice and support.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "It is important that Tax Credits recipients take action now that all migration notice letters have been issued. "If an individual chooses not to 'Move to UC' then their financial support will stop when Tax Credits come to an end in April 2025.
"Universal Credit is a payment for people on a low income or out of work. I want to ensure that people receive the financial support they are entitled to. My Department can assist with that through its dedicated telephony team and face-to-face support at local Jobs and Benefits offices as well as online information at nidirect. People can also seek independent welfare advice on the Move to UC."
Support and advice on the Move to UC, including information on transitional protection; savings and investment levels over £16,000; and self-employment rules is available via:
A dedicated UC telephony team on 0800 012 1331
Information online at nidirect
Local Jobs and Benefits offices
Independent advice on Universal Credit and welfare changes is also available by contacting:
Advice NI on 0800 915 4604
Housing Rights
Money Helper
People do not need to take action unless they have received a Migration Notice letter from the Department for Communities.
Tax Credits will be phased out in April 2025, and recipients must submit a Universal Credit (UC) claim to ensure continued financial support.
Those who have received a Migration Notice have a three-month window to make a UC claim. Introduced in September 2017, Universal Credit replaced previous benefits such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and Housing Benefit.
The 'Move to UC' initiative aims to transition all remaining recipients of these benefits and Tax Credits to the Universal Credit system.
The Department is urging any Tax Credits recipient who believes they may not be eligible for UC to seek advice and support.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "It is important that Tax Credits recipients take action now that all migration notice letters have been issued. "If an individual chooses not to 'Move to UC' then their financial support will stop when Tax Credits come to an end in April 2025.
"Universal Credit is a payment for people on a low income or out of work. I want to ensure that people receive the financial support they are entitled to. My Department can assist with that through its dedicated telephony team and face-to-face support at local Jobs and Benefits offices as well as online information at nidirect. People can also seek independent welfare advice on the Move to UC."
Support and advice on the Move to UC, including information on transitional protection; savings and investment levels over £16,000; and self-employment rules is available via:
A dedicated UC telephony team on 0800 012 1331
Information online at nidirect
Local Jobs and Benefits offices
Independent advice on Universal Credit and welfare changes is also available by contacting:
Advice NI on 0800 915 4604
Housing Rights
Money Helper
People do not need to take action unless they have received a Migration Notice letter from the Department for Communities.
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