Over a millions Brits set to have £149 added to their bank accounts

28 July 2020, 10:44

A lump sum will be paid to people who are switching from one of the legacy benefits that Universal Credit is replacing.

More than one million households will soon have £149 added to their bank accounts, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed.

A lump sum will be sent to those switching from one of the legacy benefits that Universal Credit is replacing.

According to the Mirror, over a million Brits will gain from the two-week run-on which came into effect on July 22.

Run-on payments are those that people received before moving onto Universal Credit, including Enhanced Disability Premium, Carer Premium and ESA work-related activity component.

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Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince, has said the one-off payment will give "additional support" as people move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit.

"It doesn’t have to be paid back and won’t affect their UC award, so is welcome extra cash in pockets," Quince added.

Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, Stephen Timms, said: "Like many desperately needed changes to Universal Credit, these new payments have been a long time coming – they were announced in the 2018 Budget.

"They are a welcome sign that the Government recognises that the five-week wait for a first payment of Universal Credit causes serious difficulties for people."