The DWP has issued an urgent warning to thousands of benefit claimants as Christmas approaches. Many people are at risk of benefit suspension if they do not meet a deadline which is imminent. The clock is ticking as no extensions will be granted during the festive season. Find out what you need to do before it’s too late.
DWP Warns Thousands of Brits Risk Losing Benefits Over Christmas
By Arezki AMIRI
Published on 7 December 2024 07:15
As Christmas approaches, thousands of households across the UK face the stark possibility of having their benefits cut off. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a serious warning to those still receiving traditional benefits – they need to switch to Universal Credit or risk losing their payments just in time for the festive season.
DWP Universal Credit Migration: A Process in Full Swing Since 2022
Since May 2022, the DWP has been steadily moving claimants from legacy benefits to Universal Credit, through a system known as “managed migration”. This shift includes vital payments like Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and Income Support. The government is working to streamline benefits under a single Universal Credit umbrella, but it’s up to individuals to make the switch – and if they don’t, they could lose their money.
When a claimant receives their migration letter, they have three months to get their act together and apply for Universal Credit. As the DWP puts it: “To continue receiving financial support, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter.”
Which Benefits Are Affected?
The following benefits are in the process of being phased out in favour of Universal Credit:
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit (for those under 65)
For anyone still receiving one of these, it’s essential to act quickly – missing the deadline could result in a complete suspension of support.
Tight Deadlines, Right Before Christmas
This year, there’s an added layer of stress as the migration deadline falls just before Christmas. The DWP has confirmed there will be no extensions for those migrating between December 11, 2023, and January 5, 2024. Unlike last year, when a 30-day extension was granted, this time around there will be no leeway. So, if your letter arrives in September or October, you must complete the switch before Christmas – or face a potential payment stoppage.
As the DWP bluntly puts it: “We will not support an extension of the deadline over the Christmas period.”
For many families, especially those juggling work and the holidays, this is a major concern. The festive season can be chaotic enough without the added pressure of missing a vital deadline for financial support.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
If claimants fail to complete the migration by the specified deadline, their benefits could be suspended, leaving them without the financial support they rely on during one of the most expensive times of the year. Around 1.4 million migration letters were sent out in 2023, and last year, hundreds of thousands of claimants missed the deadline, leading to a temporary loss of payments.
Key Steps to Avoid Losing Your Benefits
To ensure you don’t miss out, claimants should take the following actions before the deadline:
- Apply for Universal Credit: As soon as you receive the migration letter.
- Contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline: If you’re unsure or need help with the process.
- Double-check that the migration is complete: Make sure your application is processed before the cut-off date.
Failing to do so could result in a complete suspension of your payments, leaving you without support during a financially difficult period.
Support Is Available, but Time Is of the Essence
The DWP has assured claimants that support is available for those who need help with the migration process. Several services, such as the Help to Claim Service, are on hand to assist, and claimants can also reach out to a dedicated helpline. But, as the DWP stresses: “You must request an extension before the deadline.”
Charities, including BirminghamLive, have raised concerns about vulnerable individuals, such as those with mental health issues or disabilities, who may struggle with the complex process, particularly at such a busy time of year. For these people, the risk of losing vital support is all too real.