Pensioners warned DWP payments could be stopped for failure to act as 280,000 lose their benefits
Britons who claim legacy benefits will have to move over to Universal Credit by 2029
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Pensioners have been urged to look out for a letter in the post after more than 280,000 people claiming legacy benefits have lost their financial support for failing to respond to their Universal Credit migration notice, new data has shown.
There are six legacy benefits: income-based jobseekers allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, income support, housing benefit, child tax credit and working tax credit.
Between July 2022 and February 2024, the DWP sent 810,230 notices warning people that their old-style legacy benefits would be closed and they would have to claim Universal Credit, according to new data from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Out of the total amount, 277,750 people did not claim Universal Credit and had their benefits claims closed as the DWP continues its migration process.
People above state pension age - which is currently 66 - who have been tax credit recipients have been warned that their letters should arrive this month so they should make sure they do not miss it.
Once the letter from DWP has been received, Britons are given three months to make their claim, with the option to extend the deadline if needed.
There are six legacy benefits moving to Universal Credit
GettyHowever, many are believed to have missed this deadline, which could leave hundreds of thousands without essential support.
Michael Clarke at anti-poverty charity Turn2us, said: “Far too many people are unable to transition to Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice.
"Benefits are often a lifeline for the people we work with and this loss of support could have severe consequences for their wellbeing.
“Many of those still claiming legacy benefits have complex needs and may lack digital access and support to manage their benefits.
"The DWP must provide everyone with adequate time, accessible information, and the personalised support they need to make the move to Universal Credit.”
Over two million people will take part in the managed migration and be moved across from legacy benefits to Universal Credit this year.
People above state pension age - which is currently 66 - who have been tax credit recipients were told their letters would arrive in August.
The Government has also warned that it is important that people do not do anything until they receive their Universal Credit Migration Notice letter.
If individuals put a Pension Credit or Universal Credit application in before then, they could miss out on the transitional protections.
The notice will tell people which benefit they're moving across and gives them a deadline date by which to apply.
Those under the state pension age will be moved to Universal Credit and should have already received their letter.
Those over state pension age will move across to Pension Credit.
Mixed-age couples - where one of them is over state pension age, and the other is under it - should both be able to claim Universal Credit.