Benefit Changes Timetable - Benefits Changes Timetable 2024

Please note that information about some of these changes may be limited at present and also subject to further change. Although some will happen quickly, others may be introduced gradually over several years.

Throughout 2024 and 2025

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will continue the process of moving people from legacy benefits to Universal Credit.

February 2024

Carer's Allowance claimants in Scotland will be transferred to Carer Support Payment from February 2024. Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer's Allowance in Scotland.

March 2024

The government has extended the £2,500 surplus earnings threshold within Universal Credit until March 2024. 

April 2024

Working parents of two year olds will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare from April 2024. You can find current available help with Childcare costs on our website. 

September 2024

15 hours of free childcare will be extended to all children from the age of nine months from September 2024. You can find current available help with Childcare costs on our website. 

Across the UK, people above State Pension age who get Tax Credits will begin to receive migration notices to apply for Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

October 2024

In Scotland, Attendance Allowance will be replaced by a new benefit called the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). This new benefit will only be available in five council areas from 21 October and will be available across Scotland in April 2025. To see when it’ll be available in your area, visit the gov.scot website. 

Across the UK, people on income-related ESA, ESA with Housing Benefit, income-based JSA, JSA with Housing Benefit will begin to receive Universal Credit migration notices.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme opens for applications.

November 2024

In Scotland, the new benefit Carer’s Support Payment will be available nationally. People on Carer’s Allowance will continue to be automatically transferred to the new Carer’s Support Payment.

In Scotland, the Child Winter Heating Payment is expected to be paid to eligible families.

Across the UK, eligible pensioners will begin to receive their Winter Fuel Payment.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Cold Weather Payment 2024 scheme opens

December 2024

In Scotland, people who get Carer’s Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance will be paid the second Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment of 2024.

In Scotland, the Winter Heating Payment will be paid to eligible households.