The changes come as part of a “Managed Migration” plan
The changes come as part of a “Managed Migration” plan(Image: PA)
The Department for Work and Pensions are sending letters to thousands of benefit claimants. The DWP has issued a three month warning ahead of April reminding people that Tax Credits will be phased out.
This comes as part of a “Managed Migration” plan which is set to replace six “legacy benefits” with Universal Credit. The DWP say following benefits are ending and are being replaced by Universal Credit:
- Tax credits: Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit, unless you’re in supported or temporary accommodation
Universal Credit claimants who are currently on old-style benefits are being sent letters, which act as “migration notices”. Recipients will be told they have a three-month period to lodge a Universal Credit claim, missing the deadline may lead to existing payments being halted.
April will see the first “legacy benefit” stopped as Tax Credits claimants will need to make a claim before the changes are in place. The DWP aims to ensure all Tax Credit recipients receive a migration notice.
Social security and disability minister Sir Stephen Timms urged people to make the changes sooner rather than later. He said: “I encourage everyone who has received a migration notice to act as quickly as possible and move onto Universal Credit. We know how quickly time can pass when you’re busy.
He continued: “With just three months to go until Tax Credits close on the 5th of April – now is the time to respond to your Universal Credit migration notice to continue receiving benefits.”
The DWP have issued a demand on the government website: “To continue receiving financial support you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter.
If you cannot claim Universal Credit by the deadline date, you should contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline as soon as possible.” They add that most people will be entitled to the same amount they received from their previous benefit.
The DWP is aiming to send migration notices to all those claiming legacy benefits by the end of this year with letters being sent everyday. All legacy benefits are set to be migrated by the end of March 2026.