Important Information: Tax Credits Are Ending on 5th April 2025

If you currently receive Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, these payments will be stopping permanently on Saturday 5th April 2025. This change is part of the UK Government’s move to Universal Credit (UC), which has already replaced many older benefits (more details below). 

Most of our customers have already switched to Universal Credit, but if you’re still receiving tax credits, it’s important to take action now to make sure you don’t lose your financial support. 

What do you need to do? 

  • Check whether you’re still getting tax credits. If you are, you need to apply for Universal Credit as soon as possible. 
  • Look out for a Migration Notice letter from DWP, if you haven’t already received one. This letter will give instructions on how to apply for Universal Credit. 
    ➡ But don’t wait for the letter – if you know you’re on tax credits, it’s important to act before 5 April 2025. 

You can either:

  • Apply for Universal Credit as soon as you can. If you don’t apply before the 5th April when your tax credit payments stop, you could have a gap in your income and face serious financial difficulty

or 

  • Get help if you’re unsure what to do. Citizens Advice can offer free, independent advice, or you can contact the DWP directly. But you should do this immediately.

Why is this important? 

Many people rely on tax credits to help with their rent, bills, food, and other essential living costs. If you miss the deadline, you’ll lose that financial support. 

Even if you apply for Universal Credit later, your payments won’t be backdated, and there could be a gap in your income. 

The final deadline is the 5th April 2025. Don’t wait – the sooner you apply for Universal Credit, the sooner you can secure your future payments. 

What is Universal Credit? 

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment designed to help with living costs. It has replaced: 

  • Working Tax Credit 
  • Child Tax Credit 
  • Income Support 
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 
  • Housing Benefit 

Need more support? 

Citizens Advice offers free, independent, and confidential advice to help you understand your next steps and make your Universal Credit application. 

You can also contact DWP for information about your Migration Notice or the application process. 

If you’re worried about your situation, you can also get in touch with us at ateb — we’re here to help. 

Published: 19/03/2025