The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that two million people have had their benefits stopped as part of the managed migration to Universal Credit. The two benefits that have ended are income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Housing Benefit, which have now closed for most working households.
Statement from Sir Stephen Timms
Labour Party cabinet member Sir Stephen Timms told The Independent: “The successful completion of move to universal credit marks a major milestone, with nearly two million people having now moved on to universal credit from legacy benefits, including income-related employment and support allowance and housing benefit, which have now closed for most working households.”
He added: “We've provided extensive tailored support to ensure the most vulnerable customers are supported on every step of their journey, including home visits, specialist safeguarding referrals, dedicated Jobcentre staff and extra time for those requiring an appointee.”
Managed Migration Process
Managed migration involves claimants being sent a migration notice by the DWP telling them that their legacy benefit awards will end and that they must make a claim for Universal Credit to continue to get support. The deadline for claiming must be at least three months from the date of the migration notice, and it can be extended if there is a good reason.
The DWP then sends reminder letters, and support is available for claimants from the migration notice helpline, online guidance, and the Help to Claim service. The migration notice is the way the government is letting you know you are about to go through the managed migration process. Your letter will tell you that you need to make a claim for Universal Credit, it will also tell you the date you need to make your claim before.
Consequences of Not Claiming
EntitledTo explains: "If you don't make your claim in time your old benefits payments will stop. You should therefore follow the guidance on the letter in order to carry on receiving your payments."
