DWP issues 'don't ignore this letter' warning or your payments could stop

DWP benefit claimants have been urged to look out for a crucial letter. Ministers shared an update on the move to Universal Credit, as people on several older payment schemes are moved over to the new benefit.

You will get a letter from the DWP, known as a managed migration notice. This will invite you to apply for the new benefit as your payments for your old benefits will eventually stop. In a DWP update, social security minister Sir Stephen Timms said: "If you get that letter asking you to move to Universal Credit, don't ignore it.

"It's crucial to respond, so you can keep getting the support you're entitled to." The letter will explain when the deadline is for you to get in your application. You may be able to request more time if you have a good reason.

You can arrange this by calling the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline on 0800 169 0328. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. The tax credits system has now ended as it has been replaced by Universal Credit. This includes Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

These benefits are also ending soon: income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).

The DWP has been providing specialist help for more vulnerable ESA claimants to help them move over. More than 95 percent of ESA claimants have been moved to Universal Credit, with some 40 percent of these people getting personalised help, known as the enhanced support journey.

This support includes phone calls, home visits and other support from dedicated teams. Mr Timms said: "Over 220,000 vulnerable people have now got the specialist support they need to move to Universal Credit - proof that we're delivering a social security system that has respect at its heart.

"We're making sure no one gets left behind, offering real help throughout the process via our helpline, online guidance, and Citizens Advice support." Income Support and income-based Jobseekers' Allowance will close at the start of April 2026.