A NUMBER of big changes are coming for millions on benefits including Universal Credit in 2023.
It is crucial you take a note of the dates they come into effect as they could impact your eligibility or how you receive payments.
AlamyThese are the nine big changes coming for those on benefits in 2023[/caption]
The process of moving those on old-style legacy benefits to Universal Credit, known as “managed migration”, will continue this year.
Meanwhile, those on Universal Credit will see the dates they receive certain payments change in August and December.
Plus, there are a number of big changes for those on Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Here’s everything you need to know.
‘Light tough’ review for PIP – August
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced a new simplified form used to assess long-term claimant’s eligibility for PIP this month.
PIP was introduced in 2013 and awards typically last between nine months and 10 years.
That means anyone who qualified back in 2013 is now ready to have their claims reviewed.
But under the “light-touch” PIP review, unlike the usual 16-page award review form, thousands of those with 10-year awards will only need to complete a shorter six page form.
Face-to-face PIP assessments scrapped – August
Another August change for those on PIP is the scrapping of face-to-face assessments for those with long-term awards.
Unless a person’s medical condition has changed a face-to-face assessment is now not required.
However, this rule change only applies to those with a long-term award.
If you are on a shorter-term award you still have to have a health assessment as part of the claims process.
Online applications for PIP – August onwards
The DWP is trialling the use of online applications for people new to claiming PIP.
The service is being offered to 60 new claimants a day, upon them calling the PIP helpline to apply.
Usually, to make a new claim for the benefit, you have to call the helpline on 0800 917 2222.
However, in a written response to Labour MP Seema Malhotra, MP Tom Pusglove, DWP minister for disabled people, detailed the new online application scheme.
The scope of the service is to be expanded over the coming months, to include:
Anyone applying in an official capacity (e.g. appointees)Anyone with a Welsh or Northern Ireland postcodeAnyone applying for special rulesAnyone with a previous or existing PIP or DLA claimThose without a National Insurance number or with a GY or JY postcode.
Changes to payment dates – August and December
Households on benefits including Universal Credit could see their usual payment dates change around the August and December bank holidays.
This is because the DWP makes payments early if your usual payment date lands on a bank holiday.
Here’s when you will be paid if you fall into this category:
August bank holiday – payments due on August 28 will be made on August 25Festive period – payments due on December 25, 26 and 27 will be made on December 22
If your payment date is not August 28 or December 25, 26 or 27, you shouldn’t expect any changes.
If yours is and you don’t receive your benefit payment one working day before the bank holiday you should contact the DWP.
You can also submit a complaint to them.
Managed migration – September
The DWP is in the process of moving people on so-called “legacy benefits” such as tax credits on to Universal Credit.
The move is known as “managed migration” and started in April following a successful pilot in Harrogate, Yorkshire, in July 2019.
The DWP announced in May it will start moving those on tax credits to Universal Credit across the whole of the UK from September.
Over two million people will eventually be moved on to Universal Credit by March 2025.
However, those claiming employment and support allowance (ESA) and not on tax credits will be moved by 2028.
Universal Credit helpline changes – September
The DWP is rolling out a change to its helpline for the 5.9million currently claiming Universal Credit.
The Government department is introducing a new automated “Conversational Platform” in late September which will guide claimants through queries.
Claimants will speak to a virtual agent who will be able to answer simple questions.
Callers who need further help will be redirected to a real DWP agent.
Michael Clarke, from charity Turn2Us, previously told The Sun: “We obviously support any solutions that make it easier for people to access the benefits they’re entitled to.
“However, it’s crucial that people who are going through a stressful, difficult time in their lives have easy access to the support they need and that trialling these systems is done in a safe, transparent way that prioritises getting people the support they need.”
Changes to work rules and sanctions – autumn
Over 100,000 Universal Credit claimants will have to step up their search for work or face having benefit cuts from this autumn.
The minimum amount of hours claimants must work before having to meet with Jobcentre work coaches will increase from 15 hours to 18.
The changes will mean anyone working fewer than 18 hours will have fresh requirements to meet with officials to find more work.
If they do not, they risk having their benefits cut.
The Government is also bolstering its Universal Credit sanctions regime.
This includes additional training for work coaches to ensure they are applying sanctions effectively, including for claimants who do not look for or take up employment.
Automated messages will start being sent to claimants who fail to meet with work coaches in a bid to move into work or increase their earnings too.
Parents on Universal Credit meeting with work coaches more often – later this year
Thousands of parents on Universal Credit will have to increase the amount of time spent looking for or preparing for work from later this year.
Parents with children aged three to 12 will have to increase their work-related activity hours.
The change comes as the second part of two this year.
The first came in July and now sees the same group of parents having to meet with work coaches more regularly in order to retain their Universal Credit award.
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