DWP benefits stopping this month as claimants don’t ignore letter | Personal Finance | Finance

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the closure of two benefits from 1st April 2026. Those who were in receipt of payments from these benefits should have been sent a letter outlining the steps required to continue receiving support once the payments cease.

While the migration is intended to transfer claimants onto Universal Credit, the process is not automatic, meaning claimants must take action to avoid any disruption to their benefit payments.

Those affected by the change should receive a letter known as a migration notice. According to Birmingham Live, these letters detail the steps needed to make the switch to Universal Credit, along with a deadline by which claimants must act.

Claimants must apply for Universal Credit before this deadline in order to qualify for Transitional Protection, which guarantees they will not be financially worse off under the new system.

For instance, if a claimant was receiving £600 per month from Tax Credits but is only eligible for £400 under Universal Credit’s standard rules, Transitional Protection would makeup the £200 difference. However, should you miss the deadline stated in your migration notice, you will forfeit any entitlement to Transitional Protection.

Those requiring assistance with the transition between benefits can access additional support via a dedicated DWP telephone line, the Move to UC Helpline, while tailored guidance is also on offer through the Enhanced Support Journey for claimants who have yet to engage with the DWP, including home visits.

Altogether, nearly two million people have been making the switch from the legacy benefits system to Universal Credit.

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “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.

“This Government is committed to updating the welfare system so that it promotes opportunity, rather than stifling it – as part of our Plan for Change.

“The campaign means the number of people on Universal Credit has increased, particularly the number of people who receive the benefit with no requirement to look for work, as, since June last year, the focus has been on moving vulnerable people from Employment and Support Allowance.”