DWP warning for millions of people on these benefits - all the changes you need to know

The DWP has warned that people on certain benefits could lose out on cash completely if they don't take urgent action - and they could have payments stopped by Christmas

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning that several benefits are set to be discontinued by Christmas. Claimants have been informed that they will cease receiving payments from December on their current benefits, and could potentially lose cash entirely if they fail to take crucial action.

The DWP is phasing out certain benefits and replacing them with the single Universal Credit (UC) payment. Individuals currently receiving these benefits are required to apply for UC upon receipt of a migration notice letter.

Letters were dispatched to claimants of specific benefits in September, including tax credits (for those of state pension age), income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) only, and Employment Support Allowance with Housing Benefit. This means that these benefits will cease being paid in December or when someone transitions onto UC.

Those who receive any of these benefits and have received a migration notice are strongly encouraged to apply for UC as soon as possible. Full instructions on how to do so will be included in their letter and also available online.

Failure to do so will result in their payments being stopped. Individuals are not required to take any action until they receive their notice, reports Birmingham Live.

The DWP has released a statement saying: "Anyone affected will be sent a 'migration notice' by DWP to apply for Universal Credit as the department continues to transition over a million claimants on legacy benefits to Universal Credit. Legacy benefits – such as tax credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance and income-related Employment and Support Allowance – are being phased out to bring Government financial support into one place and, importantly, the majority of people will not be worse off under Universal Credit."

Sir Stephen Timms, the minister for social security and disability, imparted some advice, stating: "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 added that there is a commitment to ease the changeover: "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and customers will have the full support of DWP staff to help manage this change."