Overview
- The DWP said Tuesday it has closed Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and will delay closing income-related ESA and Housing Benefit until the end of the summer to help hard-to-reach claimants.
- Latest official figures show 356,521 households risk losing legacy payments if they do not claim Universal Credit by the deadline in their migration notice.
- Since July 2022 the department has sent about 1.82 million migration notices, leading to roughly 1.57 million Universal Credit claims and more than 1.9 million people moved, with about 10,667 cases still in progress.
- Claimants who apply by their deadline can receive transitional protection that tops up payments, while those who switch late or move voluntarily do not qualify and can see their income drop.
- Support to apply includes in-person help at Jobcentre Plus and Citizens Advice’s free Help to Claim lines on 0800 144 8 444 in England and 0800 023 2581 in Scotland.