Examples of changes which induce a new claim

Circumstance for new UC claim Additional information and exceptions
Move from in work to unemployment, and also claimants whose hours reduce to less than 16 hours per week Claimants subsequently claim UC (because JSA(IB) is abolished in their area). Claimants may also apply and qualify for new style JSA – contribution-based only – alongside UC1.
Move from out of work to employment / self-employment Exception – Claimants who already have an award of CTC can apply for WTC. The award of WTC is a change of circumstances to the existing Tax Credits award, so they do not need to claim UC.
Move from ESA(IR) to jobseeking For example, claimant’s ESA(IR) award is terminated as they are found not to have LCW. The claimant subsequently claims UC (because JSA(IB) is abolished in their area) and must remain on UC even where any subsequent appeal against the ESAdisallowance is found in their favour.

Exception – Claimant does not claim UC during mandatory reconsideration period and, on appealing, is then awarded ESA pending appeal (a new claim not required); where subsequent appeal is allowed, they remain on ESA(IR).
Move from ESA to employment / self-employment Exception – Claimants that already have CTC can continue to claim tax credits. This is because a new claim to WTC in these circumstances is not prevented under UCFSrules and so they do not need to claim UC.
Move from unemployed (in other words, IS or JSA(IB)) to being sick Claimants may apply and qualify for new style ESA – contributory only – alongside UC.
Become responsible for a child for the first time Exception – Claimants who already have an award of WTC can claim CTC. This is because a new claim to CTC in these circumstances is not prevented under UCFSrules and so they do not need to claim UC.
Existing HB claimant who moves from one LA to a new LAin a UCFS area Exception – Only claimants who move into specified accommodation or temporary accommodation can continue to make a new claim for HB. Claimants with 3 or more children can continue to make a new claim for HB up to 31 January 2019.
Income Support award ends because the claimant no longer satisfied the conditions of entitlement Examples –

The claimant is no longer a carer.

The claimant is a lone parent whose youngest child reaches age 5.
Claimant receiving a legacy benefit or tax credits forms a couple with a UC claimant They will not be able to remain on their existing benefits or tax credits and, on forming the couple, are treated as making a joint UC claim with their new partner.