Martin Lewis warns simple Universal Credit mistake could lead to £100 fine

Personal Finance
18 Mar 2026 • 7:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to Universal Credit claimants as he tells them “do not assume”.

The Money Saving Expert said that people who have transferred from Tax Credits to Universal Credit could face a fine of up to £100 for incorrectly claiming free prescriptions and dental care.

Speaking on The Martin Lewis Money Show on Tuesday (17 March), Mr Lewis explained that the threshold between the legacy benefit and its replacement are different and urged people to check if they’re still eligible before filling out forms.