DWP to 'stop paying' Housing Benefit to millions of people this month

Housing Benefit is being phased out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Hundreds of thousands of people are set to see their Housing Benefit payments halted this month. The benefit, which is claimed by approximately 2.4 million Brits, is being phased out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

This is part of a wider shift towards Universal Credit (UC), which is replacing several benefits. Claimants have been informed that their payments will cease three months after receiving a migration notice in the post.

For many, this notice would have arrived in June, meaning their payments will stop in September. These individuals have been advised to apply for UC urgently if they haven't already done so, to avoid losing their benefits and facing financial hardship.

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Those who haven't received migration notices don't need to take any action at this time. However, it's crucial that people keep an eye on their post and emails in case they've overlooked it, reports Birmingham Live.

This change is part of the most significant overhaul to the benefits system in decades. Housing Benefit is one of six benefits claimed by millions that are being phased out in favour of UC.

Claimants are not automatically transferred over and must apply for the new benefit - something that around 280,000 people have failed to do over the last couple of years, representing about a quarter of the total. They are given three months to sort this out or their payments are stopped.

The Government has announced the phasing out of legacy benefits, including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and income-related Employment and Support Allowance. They've stated: "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."