Thousands of Universal Credit claimants could be in line for a surprise windfall of up to £5,000 after a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) error was uncovered.
Who Is Affected?
The issue affects claimants who were moved from older benefits, such as Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance, to Universal Credit. Some may have been underpaid due to incorrect calculations of their transitional protection.
How Much Could You Claim?
Eligible individuals could receive backdated payments ranging from a few hundred pounds to as much as £5,000, depending on their circumstances.
What Should You Do?
The DWP has stated it will proactively review cases, but experts advise claimants to:
- Check old benefit statements for discrepancies
- Contact the DWP if you suspect an error
- Keep records of all correspondence
Important note: There’s no formal deadline to claim, but acting sooner rather than later is recommended.
