The cost of living crisis is continuing to stretch households budgets. We understand it is a difficult time, and we are committed to supporting you if you are having financial difficulties. You can find information below which may be useful. 

Our cost of living advice

We have a range of information on our website to help you during the cost of living crisis, including from us, the government and other charities and organisations. Visit the cost of living area on our website. 

Being aware of loan sharks

Borrowing money from unauthorised money lenders, commonly known as loan sharks, can lead to serious financial problems due to very high interest rates. Loan sharks exploit people in difficult financial situations, so it is important to avoid them if you need to borrow money. Find out more about loan sharks and where you can get financial support if you need it. 

Moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit

In June 2023 a process began nationally to move people on some legacy benefits to Universal Credit. 

These include: 

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
• Income support.
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
• Child Tax Credit.
• Working Tax Credit.
• Housing benefit.

Find out below how this will happen, what you need to do and when it will happen. For more information, visit the Citizen’s Advice website. 

How will this happen and what do you need to do?

You will receive a ‘migration notice letter’, which will explain your benefits are ending and you will need to make a claim for Universal Credit within three month deadline. 

When will this happen? 

The Government plans to have everyone switched over to Universal Credit by the end of 2024. There is no exact timetable for this, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to migrate tax credits-only claimants onto Universal Credit:

• In every DWP region by September 2023.
• In every jobcentre in Great Britain by the end of March 2024.
• And in 2024/25, managed migration will roll out nationally to claimants on:
• Income Support, income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit, including where paid alongside tax credits.
• Tax credits alongside income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
• People who receive only income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and no other legacy benefits, won’t be migrated onto Universal Credit until 2028.

And in 2024/25, managed migration will roll out nationally to claimants on:

• Income Support, income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit, including where paid alongside tax credits.
• Tax credits alongside income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
• People who receive only income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and no other legacy benefits, won’t be migrated onto Universal Credit until 2028.