DWP warns people 'of State Pension age' you 'have three months to act'

The warning comes as the new Labour Party government continues its transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit

Pensioners have been warned they have "three months" left to act and secure payments or risk losing a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit. The warning comes as the new Labour Party government continues its transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit

You need to move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter and you’re State Pension age, as tax credits are ending soon. You can claim Universal Credit if you’re working and receiving tax credits.

If you’re State Pension age and get a Migration Notice letter, you can claim Universal Credit even if you’re still working, you’ve renewed your tax credits, you have money, savings and investments of more than £16,000 or you’re receiving a pension.

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To continue getting financial support, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date in your letter. You can continue working with no ‘work-related conditions’ for 12 assessment periods (about 12 months). This means you will not have to increase your hours, find additional work or attend work-related meetings at your local job centre.

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, warned: "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."

Michael Clarke from the anti-poverty charity Turn2us warned: "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."

The following benefits are ending and are being replaced by Universal Credit: Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you receive Housing Benefit, it will be ending. However, if you’re eligible, housing support will be added to your entitlement when you claim Universal Credit.