The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to stop legacy benefits from June 30, putting 361,000 claimants at risk. Under the managed migration system, so-called legacy DWP benefits will cease at the end of the sixth month of the year.
Migration Notices and Claim Status
Labour MP Luke Charters for York Outer raised concerns in the Commons about support for those transitioning from legacy benefits to Universal Credit. The latest data shows that 2,353,319 people in 1,822,374 households received migration notices. Of these, 1,992,161 individuals in 1,580,239 households have submitted a Universal Credit claim.
This means 361,158 people risk having their benefits stopped unless they act by June 30, just 10 days away, according to DWP figures.
Government Response and Support Measures
In response, DWP Minister Sir Stephen Timms stated: "All customers have access to support throughout the process, including the Move to Universal Credit Helpline and independent Help to Claim support provided by Citizens Advice, which offers tailored assistance to help people make and manage their claim."
He added: "We also provide eligible customers with Transitional Protection where their Universal Credit entitlement would otherwise be lower than their previous legacy benefit award, ensuring their entitlement is protected at the point of migration."
Enhanced Support for Vulnerable Groups
Sir Stephen acknowledged that some groups, including Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) customers, may be more vulnerable. For these individuals, enhanced support is available from the moment they receive their Migration Notice.
"This includes the Enhanced Support Journey, which offers tailored contact and visiting officer support where appropriate for those who have not yet engaged," he explained.
He further noted: "In addition, we have identified that some customers require a personal or corporate appointee but may not have arrangements in place ahead of the ESA closure date. In such cases, we will exempt these customers from the closure date to ensure they are not disadvantaged."
However, he clarified: "This does not mean ESA will remain in payment indefinitely and a final closure date for these customers will be determined in due course."
