Big Changes: Five Benefits to Be Stopped by DWP This April

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that five legacy benefits will be discontinued starting April 2024 as part of a managed migration to Universal Credit (UC). Claimants currently receiving these benefits must transition to the new system within three months of receiving a migration notice.

It is crucial for claimants to ensure their contact details are up to date to avoid missing important notices, as failing to act in time could lead to benefit payments being stopped. Let’s break down what this change means, which benefits are affected, and what claimants need to do.

Which Benefits Are Being Stopped?

The following five legacy benefits will be phased out in April 2024:

• Tax Credits (Working Tax Credit & Child Tax Credit) – The first to be fully discontinued.
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Claimants receiving these benefits will be moved to Universal Credit (UC) as part of the government’s welfare reform plans.

How Will Claimants Be Notified?

The DWP will send Managed Migration Notices to claimants, instructing them to:

• Submit their Universal Credit claim within three months.
• Complete the process before their given deadline.

Important: If a claimant fails to act within two weeks of their deadline, their legacy benefits will be stopped.

To avoid missing this critical notice, claimants should update their contact details (address & mobile number) with the DWP.

How to Apply for Universal Credit

The Migration Notice will provide details on how to apply for Universal Credit online.

• Online application: Claimants can follow instructions in their notice.
• Phone support: If unable to apply online, claimants can call the UC Migration Notice Helpline at 0800 169 0328 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM).

Will Universal Credit Payments Be Less Than ESA?

For some claimants, Universal Credit entitlement may be lower than their current Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). However, Transitional Protection Payments will be provided to cover the difference.

Transitional Protection Payments: Key Points

• These temporary top-ups ensure claimants do not receive less money when switching to UC.
• They will remain in place until a claimant’s standard Universal Credit payment equals or exceeds their old benefit amount.
• If a claimant’s circumstances change, they may lose this protection.

What Should Claimants Do Now?

To avoid losing benefits, claimants should:

• Check their contact details with DWP to receive migration notices.
• Submit a UC claim within three months of receiving the notice.
• Confirm their transitional protection payments are correctly included in their Universal Credit entitlement.
• Call the DWP helpline if they need support applying for UC.

The DWP’s managed migration to Universal Credit will result in the end of five major benefits in April. Claimants must act quickly once they receive their migration notice to avoid losing payments. While Transitional Protection Payments will help some claimants maintain their current income levels, it’s essential to verify that these payments are applied correctly.

If you receive Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, JSA, or ESA, make sure you’re prepared for this transition to Universal Credit to avoid disruptions in your payments.

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