Shifts to Universal Credit are still taking place(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

DWP accelerates Universal Credit switch for key groups, impacting thousands ahead of schedule

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued its latest guidance on the move and says the four groups expected to have been notified by the end of September include all remaining people on tax credits who are of State Pension age

by · The Mirror

An urgent shift in benefits will impact thousands of individuals across four main categories. The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the final batch of letters for the transition to Universal Credit.

In its most recent guidelines on the plans, the DWP states that by the end of September, all remaining tax credit recipients of State Pension age, those on income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, claimants who solely receive income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and others who are on income-related ESA along with Housing Benefit should have been notified.

In total, hundreds of thousands of people will be affected, with the majority being ESA claimants. These benefit recipients were not expected to switch to Universal Credit until 2028/2029, but this has been advanced by four years.

Some claimants should have already received a migration letter( Image: Getty Images)

By the end of September, most individuals in each of the four groups should have received Migration Notice letters. However, the DWP emphasises that this timeline is merely a guide and individuals should not be concerned if they have not yet been contacted.

The aim is to complete the process by December 2025 so that all the legacy benefits involved can be discontinued at the start of the next fiscal year, reports Birmingham Live.

Furthermore, some tax credit recipients of State Pension age will have been asked to transition to Pension Credit instead, with letters sent to this group in July.

DWP guidance states: "It is important that you do not do anything until you receive your letter. This is called a Universal Credit Migration Notice and it tells you when you need to move to Universal Credit."

"You will not be moved automatically and you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter. The deadline date for applying is three months from the date the letter is sent out. Look out for your letter as ignoring it could even stop your payments."

"If you have a question about claiming Universal Credit or have a problem getting online, call the number shown in your Universal Credit Migration Notice letter. If you currently receive tax credits, you'll still need to claim by the date in your letter even if you've just renewed your tax credits."

The DWP wont move claimants automatically( Image: John Stillwell/PA Wire)

The DWP says you won't have to move to Universal Credit if you only receive Housing Benefit and either you or you and your partner:

  • are of State Pension age (66 years old or over)
  • live in temporary accommodation provided by a council because you were homeless
  • live in supported accommodation including refuges, hostels, extra care housing and some sheltered housing

Such claimants will continue to get support with housing costs through Housing Benefit.

Moreover, those on new-style benefits - which hinge on National Insurance contributions - are not required to transition to Universal Credit. This includes New Style Employment and Support Allowance and New Style Jobseeker's Allowance.

While one can choose to claim Universal Credit alongside these benefits, any amount received from the new-style benefits would be subtracted from the monthly UC payment.