The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has halted benefit payments to more than 350,000 individuals after they failed to meet a critical deadline for migrating to Universal Credit (UC). This action is part of the ongoing welfare reform that phases out legacy benefits, such as Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance, which have now been discontinued.
Universal Credit Migration Process
Under the migration process, recipients of legacy benefits were required to submit their own UC applications within a three-month window, as they are not automatically transferred. Fresh government figures reveal that over 350,000 people had their benefits terminated after failing to complete this step in time.
Concerns for Vulnerable Claimants
The welfare overhaul, initiated under previous Conservative administrations, has been progressing for years, with benefits being withdrawn incrementally. The DWP is now nearing the end of this process. However, concerns have been raised that many households may have fallen off the benefits system due to misunderstandings, overlooked correspondence, or personal circumstances.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, stated: "Our Move to Universal Credit campaign has been successful in moving over 1.9 million people from legacy benefits to the modern Universal Credit system. Vulnerable customers have been at the forefront of this campaign. In their interests, we are extending the deadline for income-related Employment Support Allowance claimants to move over."
The deadline for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) has been postponed to protect vulnerable individuals from losing their payments. Despite this, anxieties persist about the number of people who have not yet transitioned and may be left without support.
