275 claimants who lost out after they were migrated onto universal credit (UC) from legacy benefits are jointly suing the DWP, solicitors Leigh Day have revealed.
The claimants were previously in receipt of the severe disability premium. They were migrated onto UC before January 2019, when the DWP introduced the Severe Disability Premium (SDP) Gateway system. This prevents claimants from being transferred to UC if they are entitled to SDP.
As a result of being moved, each of the 275 claimants has lost out on over £275 a month.
They are arguing that they have been discriminated against under Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The claimants are asking for compensation equal to the amount of money they have lost following their transfer to UC, for their previous level of benefits to be restored and maintained until a lawful migration scheme is established, and for compensation for the stress they have been caused.
Leigh Day believe that up to 13,000 claimants may be entitled to compensation.
