Some 280,000 Britons have lost their benefit payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under a Universal Credit rule change.
New Government data has revealed that one in three legacy benefit claimants no longer have their benefit entitlement due to not applying for the means-tested payment.
The DWP sent notice letters out to 810,230 claimants between July 2022 and February 2024 to warn them of the pending changes.
Out of this group, 277,750 people did not apply for Universal Credit and their claims were closed by the DWP as a result.
Legacy benefits is the term used to describe the six payments that are being replaced by Universal Credit for working-age households in Great Britain.
This "migration" from different payments is part of efforts to streamline the UK's social security system.
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Benefit claimants are due payments in January 2024 GETTY However, experts are warning that older and vulnerable people face being left behind and losing vital support as a result of this development.
Here is a full list of the six legacy benefit payments people are being transitioned away from:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income support
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Anyone on these payments need to "migrate" to Universal Credit by 2029 under current DWP rules.
Once someone is given a migration notice from the DWP, they will be told the deadline date for them in claiming Universal Credit.
This is usually three months from the date the migration letter is received.
According to Michael Clarke, the head of information programmes at anti-poverty charity Turn2us, this process is easier said than done.
He explained: "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.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
There are six legacy benefits moving to Universal CreditGetty"The DWP must provide everyone with adequate time, accessible information, and the personalised support they need to make the move to Universal Credit."
A DWP spokesperson said: "We are committed to ensuring all customers receive the support they need from our staff and services.
"The department has a wide range of support available to all individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable."