Universal Credit warning: Britons told 'don't delay' as DWP deadline approaches
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DWP benefit claimants are being moved onto Universal Credit and being sent migration notices
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent reminder to benefit claimants about an important deadline.
Tax credit recipients are being informed that they have only six months to get on Universal Credit and are being told to respond to their migration notices.
Multiple "legacy benefits" are being phased out over the next couple of months with Universal Credit set to become the primary benefit payment for working-age people.
Examples of said benefits include tax credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance.
According to the DWP, those moved to Universal Credit will not be made worse off as a result of the transition.
The letters being delivered to claimants affected are referred to as migration notices.
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Between July 2022 and June 2024, an estimated 1,140,810 claimants were sent migration notices by the Government.
Of this, group, 623,310 claimants who were sent migration notices have made a claim to Universal Credit
Out of those in receipt of the benefit payment, 232,800 households have been awarded transitional protection.
If someone is entitled to this protection, they can get a transitional protection payment added to their Universal Credit entitlement if they get more from their previous tax credits or benefits.
Sir Stephen Timms, the minister for Social Security and Disability, urged tax credit claimants to respond to their migration notices as soon as possible.
He shared: "Having three months to make a move may feel like a long time but life can often distract you elsewhere.
"For the best chance to secure your benefit entitlement don’t delay with responding to your migration notice.
"We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and customers will have the full support of DWP staff to help manage this change."
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As part of its warning, the DWP provided a timeline for when those on certain benefits will likely get their migration notice from: