Major changes are being made to DWP benefits. (Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)

Major DWP benefit changes for millions and they are not automatic

A number of legacy benefits are being phased out by the Government

by · Birmingham Live

Millions of DWP benefit claimants have been warned to prepare for major changes impacting their payments. Six 'legacy' benefits are being scrapped to be replaced with Universal Credit (UC).

Claimants of these benefits are being contacted at different times and millions will likely have been contacted already. This is done in the form of a migration notice, usually sent through the post.

People who receive these have three months from the day the letter was sent to apply and be signed up for UC. They will not be switched over automatically.

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The benefits that are being phased out include Housing Benefit, tax credits and Income Support. People who get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are the latest to be contacted, with claimants being urged to look out for letters.

Households have been told they don't need to do anything until they receive a migration notice. The aim is everyone will be moved off these benefits by the end of next year.

The Government explained: "Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter. As one or more of your benefits will be ending soon, you need to move to Universal Credit. The following benefits are ending and are being replaced by Universal Credit:

  • Tax credits: Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

"Other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will stay the same. To continue receiving financial support you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter. This is three months from the date the letter was sent out.

"If you cannot claim Universal Credit by the deadline date, you should contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline as soon as possible. You may be able to get more time to make a claim if you have a good reason. You must request this before your deadline date."