People claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) have been given a serious warning.
DWP Warns Benefit Claimants to Act Fast or Risk Losing Payments
Those receiving the aforementioned benefits could see their payments stopped as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) transfers them to Universal Credit in a process known as “managed migration,” reports BirminghamLive.
Experts from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice warn: “People claiming ESA alongside PIP should be on high alert. If you’ve received a letter from the DWP since the start of September, it is vital that you act to make the transition to Universal Credit as soon as possible. Ignoring this could mean having your payments stopped just ahead of Christmas, which could cause serious financial difficulties.”
The experts explained that the transition to Universal Credit will affect people who are currently receiving these six benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related ESA
- Working Tax Credit
It’s important for anyone on these benefits to carefully read any letters they get from the DWP. Once you receive a letter, you have three months to apply for Universal Credit. If you miss this window, you could lose all your benefits.
Experts Urge Action on Universal Credit to Avoid Benefit Losses
Experts from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice highlighted that while most people will get the same or more on Universal Credit compared to their old benefits, it’s not guaranteed. If Universal Credit leaves you with less money, you might qualify for a top-up called transitional protection, which makes up the difference. However, this top-up is only available if you respond to the DWP’s notice and apply before the deadline. Keep in mind, any changes in your situation might also affect how much you receive.
The spokesperson continued: “The process of managed migration is already underway, and those affected by the changes need to ensure they act quickly. Failing to respond to the DWP letter within three months risks losing the support you’ve relied on. The sooner you make the switch, the sooner your current payments can be protected under Universal Credit, including any transitional protection that might apply.
“For those worried about a potential reduction in benefits, transitional protection payments will continue until your Universal Credit matches what you were receiving on legacy benefits. However, this only applies if you claim by the deadline and meet the requirements. Acting now will safeguard your finances as you transition to the new system.”
