Finance expert Martin Lewis has issued a crucial three-word warning to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits claimants: “Do not ignore.” He is urging individuals on three major ‘legacy benefits’ to pay close attention to an important letter from the DWP, as failing to act could result in their payments being cut.
The UK Government has been phasing out six different benefits and merging them into Universal Credit since legislation was introduced in 2012. This transition, officially launched in 2022, is part of a ‘managed migration’ process, allowing claimants to temporarily keep their existing benefits.
One significant change affects those receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
ESA is being replaced by Universal Credit, and claimants will not be automatically switched over. Instead, they will need to apply for Universal Credit, and letters, known as migration notices, are being sent out during September.
DWP PIP and ESA warning as benefit payments could be stopped before Christmas https://t.co/gzG9b7yutV pic.twitter.com/UaLmlZl0SI
— Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) September 21, 2024
Anyone receiving a migration notice has three months from the date the letter was sent to apply for Universal Credit. If they fail to do so, their benefits will stop, creating potential disruption, especially with Christmas approaching.
Martin Lewis stressed the importance of acting quickly, particularly for those on tax credits, housing benefits, or ESA, to avoid losing their payments.
He also highlighted that DWP data shows a third of claimants had their benefits cut off after not completing the transition to Universal Credit. Since the start of this process, the DWP has sent out over 1.14 million migration notices, and failing to apply for the new system risks the cessation of payments for many.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Kent Live emphasises the urgency of Lewis’s message, highlighting that failing to respond to the DWP letter could lead to severe financial consequences for claimants. They stress the importance of taking immediate action to avoid losing benefits. (Read more)
- Yahoo News underscores the alarming potential for claimants to lose payments within three months if they ignore the letter. They present Lewis as a crucial advocate for vulnerable individuals navigating complex benefits systems. (Read more)
- The Express focuses on the necessity of switching to Universal Credit, framing Lewis’s advice as essential for maintaining financial support during challenging times. They highlight the risk of cut-offs if individuals do not act promptly. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the change Martin Lewis is warning about for benefits claimants?
Martin Lewis warns that claimants on legacy benefits must switch to Universal Credit or risk losing their payments if they ignore DWP migration notices.
Who needs to apply for Universal Credit?
People on benefits like ESA, tax credits, and housing benefit need to apply for Universal Credit as they will not be automatically switched over.
What happens if I don’t apply for Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice?
If you don’t apply within three months of receiving a migration notice, your benefits will be stopped.
When are letters being sent to ESA claimants?
Letters, or migration notices, are being sent to ESA claimants during September.
Why is this change happening now?
The UK Government is phasing out legacy benefits and merging them into Universal Credit as part of a benefits overhaul launched in 2022.
