Thousands of people on Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits might be owed significant sums of money.
Those claiming disability benefits could receive a windfall of £5,000 from the after it was revealed that an error during the switch to Universal Credit before January 2019 caused them to lose Severe Disability Premiums (SDP) and Enhanced Disability Premiums (EDP).
The oversight, which could have reduced their income by as much as £180 monthly, affects approximately 15,000 claimants who transferred to Universal Credit prior to the specified date.
Human rights solicitor Ryan Bradshaw, from Leigh Day, said: “I am glad to have settled this claim on behalf of my clients.”
He also highlighted the plight of others similarly affected, stating: “However, there are thousands of others who have been similarly affected who have not been in a position to bring a claim like this.
People who claimed disability benefits may be in line for a £5,000 payout (Image: Getty)
“They too will have experienced the loss of £180 a month after they were moved from legacy benefits on to universal credit in the years before January 2019.”
Bradshaw stressed the significant impact this issue has had on individuals’ well-being, adding: “They too will have suffered unnecessary stress.
“A suitable scheme, compensating all the people who have endured discrimination at the hands of the , ought to be urgently put in place. The mistakes made here should never be repeated.”
“I am glad to have settled this claim on behalf of my clients”, reports .
You can get in touch with Universal Credit via your online account, or by ringing the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644, or through textphone on 0800 328 1344. If you’re unable to hear or speak on the phone, Relay UK is available at 18001 then 0800 328 5644.
The British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service is also an option if you’re using a computer. Welsh speakers can use the dedicated number 0800 328 1744, from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm.
A Spokesperson said: “Following this ruling the department has begun the process of compensating affected claimants.”