The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing changes to benefit entitlements, leaving around 280,000 Britons without their current benefits due to new Universal Credit rules. New data reveals that these individuals, who previously received “legacy benefits,” lost their entitlements because they did not apply for the means-tested Universal Credit. Between July 2022 and February 2024, the DWP sent notice letters to 810,230 claimants warning them of the impending changes.
Of these, 277,750 people did not transition to Universal Credit and had their claims closed. Legacy benefits refer to six specific payments being replaced by Universal Credit for working-age households in Great Britain. This transition is part of the Government’s effort to streamline the UK’s social security system.
Experts warn that older and more vulnerable individuals may face challenges and lose crucial support due to this shift. The six legacy benefit payments being transitioned to Universal Credit are:
1. Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
2.
Legacy benefits transition impacts thousands
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
3. Income Support
4.
Housing Benefit
5. Child Tax Credit
6. Working Tax Credit
Recipients of a migration notice from DWP are informed of their deadline to apply for Universal Credit, typically three months from the date of the notice.
Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at anti-poverty charity Turn2us, emphasized the difficulties many face during this transition. “Far too many people are unable to transition to Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice,” Clarke stated. “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.”
A DWP spokesperson assured the public, saying: “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.”
The transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit continues to evolve, and the DWP is tasked with providing adequate time, accessible information, and personalized support to help individuals make this critical change.
- GBNews.”DWP alert: 280,000 Britons to lose benefits under Universal Credit rule change – full list of affected payments”.
- CoventryTelegraph.”‘Hundreds of thousands’ of benefit recipients could get extra money”.
- TheCanary.”The Canary has been warning for a YEAR about the DWP stripping people’s benefits – and we were right”.