DWP issues update as 361,000 yet to make crucial change | Personal Finance | Finance

The DWP has issued an update, as figures suggest that more than 360,000 people are yet to take a crucial action before a June 30 deadline. Data suggests that 2,353,319 people from 1,822,374 households got migration notices between July 2022 and the end of March 2026. Of these, 1,992,161 have submitted claims for universal credit, leaving around 361,000 who have not yet taken action.

Some vulnerable claimants will be exempt from the June 30 deadline on which legacy benefits – such as income-related employment and support allowance and certain housing benefit claims, tax credits and jobseeker’s allowance – will be axed. Sir Stephen Timms said: “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.”

GB News reported that he added: “In such cases, we will exempt these customers from the closure date to ensure they are not disadvantaged.

“This does not mean ESA will remain in payment indefinitely and a final closure date for these customers will be determined in due course.”

The government says, on universal credit, “most people will be entitled to the same amount they received from their previous benefits, or more”.

It added that a universal credit payment is made up of a standard allowance and any extra amounts that apply to an applicant idf they:

Officials add: “Your Universal Credit amount is calculated based on your circumstances each month. These are called your ‘assessment periods’. This is different to tax credits which were calculated yearly.

“Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you’re paid for the whole assessment period, not just from the date you report them.”

Circumstances that could affect the amount Brits could get include: