Benefit claimants getting DWP letters from next week with 60,000 told to claim or lose support

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is stepping up its campaign to contact people receiving certain benefits, informing them that they need to switch to Universal Credit, or lose their financial support. From February to the end of the year, over 60,000 of these notifications are expected to be sent out each month to those claiming Employment and Support Allowance.

The DWP says this move will bring more people into a modern benefits system, helping them find and get into work. The department also stated: "In addition, we are focusing on supporting those households who received a migration notice in 2024 and are yet to make the move, particularly before Tax Credits close on 5 April 2025."

The last notifications were sent in October, giving those on Tax Credits three months to claim Universal Credit before their current benefits end. Those who haven't applied yet must do so now to avoid losing their payments in April, as the switch isn't automatic.

The DWP has also announced an extra £15 million for the Help to Claim scheme, which provides free, independent advice through Citizens Advice.

This will support over 800,000 people moving from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit by March 2026, instead of 2028. Since 2019, the scheme has helped over a million people claim Universal Credit, reports the Daily Record.

Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, has expressed his support for the new funding injection, stating: "This funding boost will support many people as they make the move from old benefits to Universal Credit - ensuring customers feel confident and informed throughout the application process.

"I want to encourage anyone receiving a migration notice over the coming