Martin Lewis sends urgent warning over DWP letter that could 'cut off your benefits'

Martin Lewis has urged anyone receiving the DWP letter to be proactive

Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning about a spate of letters sent out by the Department for Work and Pensions. He strongly advised individuals against ignoring these letters, highlighting that non-compliance could lead to a complete halt in their benefit payments.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, the Money Saving Expert told his audience in no uncertain terms: "An important one for anyone on tax credits, housing benefit, employment support allowance or similar; do not ignore a crucial letter that is coming, you may lose your benefits."

"The Department of Work and Pensions is sending letters to many people saying you must now apply to switch to Universal Credit from your current system. Do not ignore it."

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Among those impacted are recipients of the six legacy DWP benefits including Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, Housing Benefits, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, and Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, reports the Express.

The correspondence provides information about the move to Universal Credit and outlines key steps that need to be taken during the transition.

It has been disclosed by DWP figures that more than a third of applicants experienced a stoppage in their benefits amid the changeover to Universal Credit.

The money expert emphasised the importance of not overlooking official communications, saying: "Do not ignore the letters. Some of those people may have been cut off because they're no longer eligible but it's likely that for many people this is just an administrative issue."

He added: "Watch out for the letter from the DWP, make sure your address details are up to date, and then deal with it. You do not want to have your benefits cut."

Benefit recipients have a three-month period to switch to Universal Credit following receipt of their notice, as detailed in the letter sent out.

Recipients can request an extension to this deadline if necessary, provided they present a valid reason and contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline before the initial deadline passes.

However, if the deadline is missed, legacy benefits will be terminated, though it is possible to submit a Universal Credit claim at a later point; yet they will forfeit the transitional protections available had they applied within the three-month window mentioned in their DWP letter.