DWP sending 'do not ignore' letters to households as claimants could lose benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out urgent 'do not ignore' letters to hundreds of thousands of households, warning them about changes to their benefits. These crucial Migration Notice letters are informing recipients about the switch to Universal Credit and stressing the importance of not overlooking these notices.

Claimants are given a three-month period from when they receive the letter to apply for Universal Credit or they risk losing their benefits. This initiative is part of the broader effort to transition various benefit recipients onto Universal Credit.

While there's no need to worry unless you've received a letter, once it arrives, immediate action is necessary. Income support, tax credits, and housing benefit recipients are among those being informed this April, reports Birmingham Live.

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The introduction of Universal Credit aims to amalgamate several benefits into one, as part of major reforms to the welfare system. Throughout the year, the DWP will continue to contact individuals based on the benefits they currently receive.

The advice from the DWP is clear: "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.

"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 the deadline date on your letter."

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