DWP Rules Out Extending Universal Credit Top-Up To New Couples

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a formal statement regarding the potential expansion of the Universal Credit top-up scheme, particularly focusing on transitional protection for newly formed couples.

The response follows a query raised in Parliament by Labour MP Fabian Hamilton, who questioned whether the government had assessed broadening eligibility to include couples forming a new household.

The DWP clarified that no such assessment has been carried out, and current regulations will remain in place for now.

What Is Transitional Protection in Universal Credit?

Transitional protection is a financial safeguard designed to protect individuals moving from legacy benefits—such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Working Tax Credit—to Universal Credit.

This scheme ensures that claimants do not experience a drop in income at the time of the transition.

However, this protection does not apply in all circumstances. For instance, if a new couple forms a household and makes a fresh claim, the protection no longer applies.

Key Details Shared by DWP Minister:

• Transitional protection is applicable to both single and couple households only at the point of managed migration.
• It is not extended when there is a significant change in circumstances, such as forming a new couple or changing jobs.
• The DWP currently has no plans to amend the regulations to expand the scheme to new couple claims.

Universal Credit Standard Allowance Rates

As part of recent updates, the government has introduced above-inflation increases to Universal Credit for the next four years. However, cuts are being introduced for health-related top-up payments.

Here is a breakdown of the latest Universal Credit standard allowance rates:

Claimant Type	Monthly Standard Allowance
Single and under 25	£316.98
Single and 25 or over	£400.14
Couple, both under 25	£497.55 (combined)
Couple, one or both aged 25 or over	£628.10 (combined)

Note: Health-related top-ups will now be capped at £50 per week for new claims.

Why the Expansion Was Proposed

MP Fabian Hamilton argued that extending transitional protection to newly formed couple households could:

• Reduce overall welfare spending
• Free up social housing
• Help households adapt financially when experiencing life changes

Despite these potential benefits, the DWP remains firm in its current stance, opting not to alter the Universal Credit (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019.

What This Means for Claimants

If you or your partner are currently on Universal Credit and plan to move in together or start a new claim, be aware that you may lose your transitional protection.

This could reduce your total monthly payment, depending on your new circumstances.

The government continues to review and legislate on Universal Credit changes, but any expansion of protections will require formal assessments and amendments through Parliament.

The DWP’s recent clarification confirms that there are no current plans to expand the Universal Credit top-up scheme to new couple claims.

While the benefit system is evolving, transitional protection will remain limited to claimants undergoing managed migration without significant changes to their household status.

Claimants are advised to review their circumstances carefully before making changes that could affect their benefit entitlements. Staying informed and understanding the rules can help avoid unexpected reductions in support.

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