Managed migration 1

The DWP’s research during the discovery phase of managed migration to universal credit (UC) concluded that ‘on the whole households are able to make the move to UC.’ But we are finding that, when issues do arise, the consequences can be serious for claimants causing stress, budgeting difficulties and debt. Our evidence shows claimants struggling as a result of DWP error, or claimants’ situations made worse due to DWP inaction. The department has intentionally adopted an iterative approach to the roll out of managed migration so issues can be addressed early. In that spirit we urge the DWP to act on the evidence here to ensure that no claimant falls through the cracks.

This report covers the following issues:

• Moving older claimants unnecessarily
• Unclear entitlement to transitional protection
• Process delays resulting in incorrect benefit payments and conditionality 
• Falling into rent arrears due to managed migration
• Appropriate and inappropriate use of appointees
• Missing child elements