DWP tells people claiming six benefits they will be moving to Universal Credit

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to halt six benefits for millions of individuals in 2024. If you're currently receiving older benefits, you may notice alterations to your payments this year.

This managed migration forms part of the government's strategy to phase out older benefits and introduce universal credit. This process began a few years ago but was temporarily halted in 2020 due to the pandemic, resuming only in early 2023.

However, the migration recommenced in 2023. Since then, thousands have received letters instructing them to submit a universal credit claim within a specified timeframe, with the warning that their old benefit payments will eventually cease.

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The six benefits and tax credits are being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit are:

In most instances, claims for these payments can no longer be made, and a Universal Credit claim typically needs to be submitted instead. The DWP has already begun transitioning thousands of households in south west and south east Wales, as well as other parts of the UK, onto universal credit.

It anticipates that the majority of individuals in the UK will have moved from these benefits to universal credit by the conclusion of the 2024/25 financial year.

There are certain exceptions to this rule. If you're only claiming employment and support allowance (ESA) or ESA in conjunction with another older benefit (excluding tax credits), you won't be transitioned this year.

Instead, your switch will occur in 2028. Therefore, if you're currently on an older benefit and haven't been transitioned yet, it's probable that you'll receive information from the government