The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning as 300,000 people risk losing their benefits due to missed deadlines.
The ongoing transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit has already affected thousands of households, with many unaware of the deadline to apply for Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice.
If you or someone you know receives benefits, it’s crucial to act immediately to avoid losing financial support. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s happening, who is affected, and how to secure your benefits.
What’s Happening?
The DWP is phasing out six legacy benefits and replacing them with Universal Credit to simplify the UK’s welfare system.
While this transition aims to make benefit payments more efficient, many recipients are facing disruptions due to missed migration deadlines.
📌 Affected Legacy Benefits:
✔ Income Support
✔ Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
✔ Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
✔ Housing Benefit
✔ Child Tax Credit
✔ Working Tax Credit
💡 Important: If you receive any of these benefits, you will need to apply for Universal Credit within three months of receiving a migration notice.
Why Are People Losing Benefits?
The main reason people are losing their benefits is failure to act on their migration notice. Once notified, claimants have three months to switch to Universal Credit. If they miss the deadline, their existing benefits automatically stop.
📌 Current Statistics:
- Over 318,000 households have already lost benefits.
- Many were unaware of the deadline or failed to act in time.
How to Avoid Losing Your Benefits
If you’ve received a migration notice, follow these urgent steps:
1️⃣ Check Your Mail Regularly
Migration notices are sent via post. Ensure your contact details are up to date with the DWP to avoid missing any communication.
2️⃣ Act Immediately
Once you receive your migration notice, begin your Universal Credit application right away. Delaying can lead to missed deadlines and financial hardship.
3️⃣ Gather Necessary Documents
Make sure you have the following:
✔ ID documents (passport, driving license, or birth certificate)
✔ Proof of address (utility bill, council tax bill, or tenancy agreement)
✔ Income details (payslips or self-employment records)
✔ Bank account information
4️⃣ Seek Help from Experts
If you’re unsure about the process, contact Citizens Advice’s Help to Claim service. They offer free support with:
✔ Checking eligibility
✔ Filling out application forms
✔ Providing post-application guidance
📌 Visit: Citizens Advice Universal Credit Support
5️⃣ Submit Your Application
Apply online via the Universal Credit website before the deadline. Once approved, use your online account to track payments and report any changes.
📌 Apply here: Universal Credit Application
Understanding Transitional Protection
Many claimants worry that their payments will decrease after switching to Universal Credit. To address this, the DWP has introduced Transitional Protection, which ensures:
✔ Your Universal Credit payment won’t immediately drop when you switch.
✔ It gradually reduces over time, especially if your circumstances change (e.g., new job, increased earnings).
💡 Key Tip: Apply before your migration deadline to ensure you qualify for Transitional Protection!
Support Services: ‘Help to Claim’
The UK government has allocated £15 million to the Help to Claim service, run by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.
✔ Eligibility checks – Ensure you qualify for Universal Credit.
✔ Application support – Assistance in filling out forms and gathering required documents.
✔ Post-application guidance – Help with managing your claim after approval.
📌 Visit: Citizens Advice Help to Claim
How Will Universal Credit Affect Your Finances?
While Universal Credit simplifies the benefits system, there are key financial changes to be aware of:
📌 1️⃣ Monthly Payments
- Universal Credit is paid monthly, unlike some legacy benefits which were weekly or fortnightly.
- You may need to adjust your budgeting to manage monthly payments.
📌 2️⃣ Income Adjustments
- If you earn more, your Universal Credit may reduce.
- Payments increase or decrease automatically based on your income changes.
📌 3️⃣ Housing Costs
- Housing Benefit is now included in Universal Credit.
- You must pay rent directly to your landlord.
📌 4️⃣ Childcare Support
- Universal Credit covers up to 85% of childcare costs.
- Check eligibility for extra help with childcare.
Steps to Apply for Universal Credit
Step 1: Visit the Universal Credit Website
- Go to Gov.uk and create an account.
Step 2: Complete Your Application
- Provide accurate details about your income, expenses, and living situation.
Step 3: Attend an Interview
- You will need to attend a meeting at your local Jobcentre Plus.
- A Work Coach will confirm your identity and discuss your claim.
Step 4: Manage Your Claim Online
- Use your Universal Credit account to:
✔ Track payments
✔ Report changes
✔ Communicate with your Work Coach
📌 Apply here: Universal Credit Application
The DWP’s transition to Universal Credit is a major change affecting thousands of UK households. If you’ve received a migration notice, act now to avoid losing financial support.
✔ Check your mail and ensure your contact details are updated.
✔ Apply for Universal Credit within three months of receiving your notice.
✔ Use transitional protection to avoid payment reductions.
✔ Seek help from Citizens Advice if you need support.
💡 Don’t wait—take action today to protect your benefits!
