Natalie Star
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified its position regarding top-up payments for Universal Credit recipients, particularly for couples forming new households.
The response comes after Labour MP Fabian Hamilton raised a parliamentary question concerning transitional protection rules and whether they could be expanded to include more claimants.
What Is Transitional Protection in Universal Credit?
Transitional protection was introduced to ensure that claimants who move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit (UC) do not experience a sudden drop in income.
This applies to both single and couple households who undergo a managed migration, the formal process of transitioning to Universal Credit.
However, DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms confirmed that no formal assessment has been made regarding the inclusion of couples forming a household after the transition.
What Did the DWP Say?
Sir Stephen Timms stated:
“Transitional protection is considered for both single and couple households that manage migrate to Universal Credit. It is not extended to customers in receipt of the transitional element that have a significant change of circumstances or where a couple forms and makes a new claim to Universal Credit.”
In essence, if a new couple forms a household after their transition to Universal Credit, they will not be eligible for transitional protection.
Universal Credit Reforms: What’s Changing in 2025?
MPs recently approved legislation that will bring several changes to Universal Credit payment amounts, particularly ensuring that the basic allowance rises above the rate of inflation for the next four years.
This change comes amid efforts to help low-income families combat the cost-of-living crisis.
Key Details at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Who asked the question? | Labour MP Fabian Hamilton |
| What was asked? | Expand transitional protection to couples forming a new household |
| DWP’s response | No current plans to extend rules |
| What is transitional protection? | A safeguard to maintain legacy benefit amounts during transition to UC |
| Who qualifies for it? | Only individuals or couples migrating under managed migration |
| Recent UC changes | Basic allowance will increase above inflation for four years |
Why Transitional Protection Isn’t Expanding
The DWP cited existing 2019 regulations – The Universal Credit (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 – which govern transitional protection.
According to these rules, individuals forming new couples after migration must file a new UC claim, which does not guarantee the same level of financial support as legacy benefits.
The DWP confirmed:
“There are no plans to amend the regulations to extend transitional protection to include couples who form a household after they have moved to Universal Credit.”
What This Means for Claimants
If you’re currently on legacy benefits and preparing for a managed migration to Universal Credit, your existing benefit amount is protected — for now.
However, if you form a new relationship, this counts as a significant change in circumstance, and you lose the transitional protection, potentially reducing your overall support.
The DWP’s firm stance on not expanding transitional protection highlights the importance of understanding how relationship changes and new claims can affect your Universal Credit entitlements.
While future UC payments are set to rise above inflation, claimants forming new households should be prepared for possible payment reductions.
Staying informed of regulation changes and planning accordingly is crucial to avoid financial surprises.
FAQs
What is Universal Credit transitional protection?
It is a safeguard that ensures individuals moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit do not face a sudden drop in income.
Do new couples qualify for Universal Credit top-up payments?
No, transitional protection is not extended to couples forming new households after transitioning to Universal Credit.
Will Universal Credit payments increase in 2025?
Yes, new legislation ensures that Universal Credit’s basic allowance will rise above the rate of inflation over the next four years.