Benefit claimants have been warned not to ignore the letter (Image: Izabela Habur)

DWP 'say' these five benefits will be cut off unless claimants respond to letter

People have been warned not to ignore the letter amid changes to tax credits

by · Birmingham Live

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned benefit claimants that they face being cut off if they do not respond to a letter. It comes as the DWP is in the process of migrating people on several different benefits.

The letter - set to be sent in the coming months - will be delivered to those affected. And if a person does not respond in the allotted time will stop receiving some benefits.

Tax credits are closing in April 2025 and the DWP has warned that claimants must respond to their migration notices. Once the letter arrives, you have three months to act and apply for Universal Credit to replace your tax credits.

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They are just one of several benefits being phased out with Universal Credit replacing them. Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseekers’ Allowance and Income Related Employment and Support Allowance are also being moved to Universal Credit, Express reports.

A spokesperson for DWP said: "Tax credits are closing in April 2025 and customers must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits. Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for Universal Credit.

"Customers do not need to take action until they receive their migration notice letter from the Department from Work and Pensions."

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, added: "Having three months to make a move may feel like a long time but life can often distract you elsewhere. For the best chance to secure your benefit entitlement don’t delay with responding to your migration notice.

"We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and customers will have the full support of DWP staff to help manage this change."

Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency

Child poverty is soaring in Birmingham and without urgent change, will only get worse. Having worked with charities and community groups, BirminghamLive is campaigning for the following changes to start to turn the tide:

  1. End the two-child benefit cap
  2. Provide free school meals to every child in poverty
  3. Create a city “aid bank” for baby and child essentials
  4. Protect children’s and youth services
  5. Create permanent, multi year Household Support Fund and give more Discretionary Housing grants
  6. Set up child health and wellbeing hubs in our most deprived neighbourhoods
  7. Appoint a Birmingham child poverty tsar
  8. Provide free public travel for young people

You can see why in more detail here.

Read our full report Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency here.

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