DWP Issues Urgent Letters as Universal Credit Migration Accelerates
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is rapidly progressing its managed migration of legacy benefit claimants onto Universal Credit, sending critical notices to approximately 380,000 households currently receiving income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and similar benefits.
Important Three-Month Deadline
Claimants receiving these letters are required to complete the move to Universal Credit within three months from the notice date. Failure to act within this timeframe could result in benefit payments stopping altogether. Already, around 380,000 people have experienced benefit disruptions after missing their migration deadlines.
Protect Your Transitional Payments
To maintain full entitlement, including transitional protections, claimants must respond promptly to their letters. Transitional protection ensures claimants won’t be financially disadvantaged by the move to Universal Credit, provided they meet the deadlines and requirements outlined by DWP.
Helpful Resources and Advice
Individuals and families receiving these migration notices are strongly advised to:
- Respond immediately to DWP letters to avoid disruption.
- Use free online benefit calculators, such as Turn2Us, to check eligibility and ensure correct entitlement.
- Contact Citizens Advice, local Jobcentres, or trusted welfare advice services for further guidance and support throughout the transition.
Taking swift action upon receiving a migration notice is essential to protecting benefits and avoiding unnecessary hardship during this significant welfare reform.
