Thousands of individuals receiving housing benefits have been advised to apply for Universal Credit before the September deadline to avoid any benefit suspensions.
DWP Urges Housing Benefit Recipients to Transition to Universal Credit
The DWP asserted that housing benefit recipients will not be automatically moved to the new system, instead recipients are required to submit an application for Universal Credit.
Individuals who received a migration notice from the DWP in June are required to submit their application within three months from the date they received the notice, thus their deadline is in September.
Failing to meet the submission deadline may lead to benefit suspensions. The migration notice serves as a reminder that existing benefits will expire, and highlights the importance of applying for Universal Credit to keep receiving payments.
As reported by the Birmingham Live, the migration notice offers guidance on how to transition to Universal Credit as well as online support for the claimants.
People on jobseekers' allowance will also receive similar notices. The government explains: “You need to move to Universal Credit if you've received a migration notice letter, as one or more of your benefits will be ending soon. To continue receiving financial support, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter.
“This is three months from the date the letter was sent out. Anyone unable to meet this deadline for Universal Credit application is advised to promptly get in touch with the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline.”
Impact of Transitioning to Universal Credit
Transitioning to Universal Credit could potentially affect the payments individuals on legacy benefits receive, leading to different outcomes where some may see an increase in their funds while others may experience a decrease.
Nevertheless, eligible claimants can receive additional funds if their payments are reduced due to the transition.
The DWP guidance states: “On Universal Credit, most people will be entitled to the same amount they received from their previous benefits or more.
“If the amount you are entitled to on your existing benefits is more than you will get on Universal Credit, a top-up is available. This is called transitional protection.
“You can only get this top-up if you have received a Migration Notice letter from DWP and claim by the deadline date on your letter. If your circumstances change before you make your claim, this may affect the amount you get.
“You should claim as soon as possible to make sure the amount you are currently entitled to can be protected. Any transitional protection you receive as part of your Universal Credit claim may stop if you have a change in circumstances once you've made your claim.”