Five benefits including Tax Credits at risk as DWP issues urgent letter

The government department has warned that benefits will be stopped if you fail to respond

Individuals receiving one of five specified benefits are being cautioned that they risk having their support completely terminated if they disregard instructions after a letter is sent to them in the forthcoming months. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently transitioning individuals from various benefits and has started mailing out notification letters to those impacted.

Ignoring the correspondence could lead to the DWP terminating your benefits. With Tax Credits set to end in April 2025, the DWP has underscored the importance for recipients to take heed of their migration notifications.

Recipients are given a three-month window following the arrival of the letter to submit an application for Universal Credit as a replacement for their Tax Credits, reports the Express.

Tax Credits are among a number of welfare supports being gradually replaced by Universal Credit, alongside Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseekers' Allowance, and Income Related Employment and Support Allowance.

The DWP issued a statement saying: "Tax credits are closing in April 2025 and customers must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits." It continued, "Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for Universal Credit."

The DWP also advised: "Customers do not need to take action until they receive their migration notice letter from the Department from Work and Pensions."

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, has urged prompt action in response to migration notices. He said: "Having three months to make a move may feel like a long time but life can often distract you elsewhere. For the best chance to secure your benefit entitlement don't delay with responding to your migration notice."

He also reassured that support will be available, adding: "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and customers will have the full support of DWP staff to help manage this change."