DWP Ceases Two Legacy Benefits in Major Universal Credit Overhaul
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially stopped paying two key benefits as part of a significant transformation of the UK's welfare system. This move marks the latest phase in the gradual phasing out of older, legacy benefits in favor of Universal Credit (UC), which has become the country's primary benefit scheme.
Benefits Scrapped and Integrated into Universal Credit
The specific benefits affected are Income Support and income-related Jobseeker's Allowance. These payments are no longer being issued by the DWP, as they have effectively been rolled into the Universal Credit system. This integration is designed to streamline benefits and better align with contemporary labor market conditions, offering enhanced support to help individuals move toward employment.
Claimants are not automatically transferred to Universal Credit; they must actively apply for the new benefit. Failure to do so can result in the loss of benefits, a situation that has impacted hundreds of thousands of people during the migration process in recent years. Those affected should have received migration notices last year, providing a three-month window to apply for Universal Credit.
Migration Campaign Success and Extended Deadlines
In a recent update, the DWP highlighted the success of its migration campaign, which resumed in May 2022. The initiative has helped move over 1.9 million people from legacy benefits to Universal Credit, including 135,000 claimants of Income Support and income-related Jobseeker's Allowance. As a result, these two benefits are now closed, with customers transitioning to Universal Credit.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, commented on the campaign's achievements, stating, "Our Move to Universal Credit campaign has been successful in moving over 1.9 million people from legacy benefits to the modern Universal Credit system." He emphasized that vulnerable customers have been a priority, leading to an extended deadline for income-related Employment Support Allowance claimants to complete their migration.
This overhaul reflects the DWP's ongoing efforts to modernize the benefits system, aiming to provide more comprehensive support that adapts to today's economic landscape. The transition underscores the importance for claimants to stay informed and proactive in managing their benefits during this period of change.
