The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stopped paying benefits to more than 350,000 individuals after they failed to meet a crucial deadline as part of the ongoing switch to Universal Credit (UC).
Welfare system overhaul
The move is a result of the gradual phasing out of so-called legacy benefits, a process that has been underway for years under successive Conservative governments. Unlike an automatic transfer, claimants must apply for UC themselves, and they were given a three-month deadline to do so.
New government data reveals that over 350,000 people had their benefits closed after not applying within this timeframe. The DWP is now nearing the end of the transition, with Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance among the latest benefits to be axed.
Concerns for vulnerable claimants
While there may be individual reasons for not applying, there are worries that some households may have fallen off the benefits roll due to confusion, missed letters, or lack of understanding. The deadline for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) has been extended to protect vulnerable claimants.
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."
