DWP sending out important letter to claimants which shouldn't be ignored

Nottingham city centre
-Credit: (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)


The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing crucial letters to thousands of benefit recipients. Those who receive a 'migration notice' in the post are being advised that these are of significant importance and should not be disregarded.

These notices inform claimants that they are being transitioned to Universal Credit (UC) and stipulate a three-month deadline to apply or risk losing their benefits. The most recent batch of letters is being dispatched to 800,000 individuals claiming income-related Employment Support Allowance (ESA), which is designated for those unable to work due to medical conditions.

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance recipients are also receiving these notices. All recipients have a three-month window from the date of dispatch to ensure they are registered for UC.

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Many might assume they will be automatically transitioned, but this is not the case. Each recipient of a migration notice must apply for UC. Comprehensive details of the necessary steps will be included in the letter, reports Birmingham Live.

It's crucial for those on these benefits to meticulously check their post to ensure they haven't overlooked the DWP's letter, and to anticipate its arrival. These are the latest legacy benefits being phased out in favour of UC.

Millions of claimants have already transitioned to the new benefit. They've been informed that there's no need for them to take any action until they receive their notice.

If anyone is uncertain or anxious about what's happening, additional guidance is available online. Statistics reveal that tens of thousands of individuals have dropped off the claimant list after missing the Universal Credit deadline. There are worries that not everyone will comprehend the procedure and realise that they need to act.

The Government advises: "Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter. As one or more of your benefits will be ending soon, you need to move to Universal Credit. To continue receiving financial support you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter. This is 3 months from the date the letter was sent out."

If you cannot claim Universal Credit by the deadline date, you should contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline as soon as possible. You may be able to get more time to make a claim if you have a good reason. You must request this before your deadline date.