Tax Aid

Child Tax Credits Migration 2024 – Who Will Be Affected and What Actions to Take

By Ehsteem Arif

Published on: June 22, 2024

The UK government is transitioning from Child Tax Credits (CTC) to Universal Credit (UC) by April 2025. This significant change aims to simplify the benefits system and offer a more streamlined support structure.

For families currently receiving Child Tax Credits, knowing the migration process is essential to ensure continuous financial support. This article provides all the necessary details about the UK Child Tax Credits Migration starting in July 2024, who will be affected, and how the transition will be managed.

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The migration from Child Tax Credits to Universal Credit will begin in July 2024, targeting specific groups initially. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) aims to move approximately 90,000 claimants in 2024, with July as the starting point.

Contents

• 1 Initial Targets
• 2 Who is Affected
  • 2.1 Notification Process
• 3 How It Will Be Done
  • 3.1 Steps to Take
• 4 What to Expect
  • 4.1 Key Considerations
  • 4.2 FAQs
  • 4.3 Who is affected by the UK Child Tax Credits Migration?
  • 4.4 What is the deadline to claim Universal Credit?
  • 4.5 How will I be notified about the migration?
  • 4.6 What documents are needed for the Universal Credit application?
  • 4.7 What happens if I miss the deadline to claim Universal Credit?

Initial Targets

The initial phase targets claimants receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance alongside Child Tax Credits. If you only receive Child Tax Credits or have a different benefits combination, your migration might happen later in 2024 or early 2025. The DWP will notify you through a personalized “Migration Notice” letter, with a deadline to claim Universal Credit usually set at three months from the letter’s date.

Who is Affected

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Claimants: Those who receive this allowance along with Child Tax Credits are the primary targets for the July 2024 migration.
• Child Tax Credits Only Claimants: Those solely receiving Child Tax Credits or with other benefits combinations may be migrated later in the year or by early 2025.

Notification Process

The DWP will send a Migration Notice letter to affected claimants, detailing the deadline to claim Universal Credit and instructions on how to proceed. It’s crucial to adhere to this deadline to avoid any disruption in benefits.

How It Will Be Done

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The Migration Notice letter will contain:

• Deadline for Claiming UC: The specific date by which you need to claim Universal Credit.
• Application Instructions: How to apply for Universal Credit online or by phone.
• Transition Information: What to expect during the transition, including potential changes in benefit amount and payment schedule.

Steps to Take

1. Review the Notice: Carefully read the Migration Notice letter and understand the requirements.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents such as National Insurance Number, proof of identity, income, housing costs, savings, and childcare costs.
3. Apply for Universal Credit: Follow the instructions to apply online through the leading web portal. Create an account, navigate to “Make a new claim,” and fill out the required information.
4. Attend Appointments: You may be required to attend an appointment as part of the application process.

What to Expect

While Universal Credit aims to provide similar support to Child Tax Credits, there may be variations in the amount received or the payment schedule. It’s important to prepare for these changes and use available resources to ensure a smooth transition.

Key Considerations

• Payment Adjustments: Be aware that the amount and schedule of your benefits might change.
• Mandatory Process: Claiming Universal Credit by the deadline is mandatory to avoid temporary loss of benefits.

The UK Child Tax Credits Migration in July 2024 is a crucial step towards simplifying the benefits system. By understanding the process and preparing adequately, families can ensure they continue to receive financial support without disruption. If you receive a Migration Notice, act promptly and follow the instructions to complete your transition to Universal Credit.