DWP Urges Tax Credit Recipients to Respond Promptly to Universal Credit Migration Notices

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging tax credit recipients to promptly respond to Universal Credit migration notices to maintain their benefits. According to the DWP, a significant number of individuals risk losing their financial support if they fail to meet the migration deadlines.

The transition to Universal Credit is part of the government’s efforts to streamline financial support, consolidating six legacy benefits, including Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, into a single system. The department emphasizes that the majority of claimants should not experience a loss of benefits under Universal Credit.

Affected individuals receive a ‘migration notice’ to transition to Universal Credit, with more than 1.1 million notices having been disseminated between July 2022 and June 2024. Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, stressed the importance of timely responses, noting that while the letter provides a three-month window for migration, distractions could delay necessary actions.

A clear timeline outlines when different groups can expect their notifications. Those under state pension age should have received their notices by now, while pensioners needing to shift to either Pension Credit or Universal Credit began receiving their letters in July 2024.

Recent data highlights that over 280,000 recipients have lost financial support due to non-compliance with migration deadlines. Michael Clarke from the anti-poverty charity Turn2us emphasized the severe consequences of failing to respond, underscoring the importance of providing personalized support to legacy benefit claimants, who often face complex challenges and might lack digital access.

The DWP advises individuals not to act until they receive their official migration letters to preserve eligibility for transitional protections. Recipients are urged to reach out to the DWP for assistance to ensure a smooth transition.

Sir Stephen Timms underlined the need for vigilance among pensioners and those approaching state pension age, urging them to heed the three-month application window to secure their benefits.