DWP breaks silence on benefit being axed and says 'there's lots of support'

DWP has issued guidance ahead of a huge Universal Credit shakeup.

The Department for Work and Pensions has responded ahead of a huge Universal Credit shakeup as a key benefit is set to be axed for UK households in 2024. DWP has issued guidance ahead of a huge Universal Credit shakeup.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said it will offer "lots of support" as a benefit is to be axed this year. It comes as the DWP expects all households claiming legacy benefits and tax credits to have moved across to Universal Credit by September 2024.

Writing on Twitter, now called X, the DWP said: "Tax Credits are ending. Are you ready? There is lots of support to help you make the move". Look out for a letter called a Universal Credit Migration Notice from the DWP explaining what you’ll need to do, and by when.

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If you are claiming tax credits and are aged 65 or over, DWP will write to you to ask you to apply for Universal Credit or Pension Credit, depending on your circumstances. You won’t be moved automatically, so it’s important to act quickly and follow the instructions in the letter, otherwise your benefits will stop.

To continue to receive financial support, you will need to claim Universal Credit by the deadline stated in your Migration Notice letter, even if you have just renewed your tax credits claim. To continue receiving financial support, you will need to claim Universal Credit by the deadline in your letter.

Before you apply for Universal Credit, it is important to renew your tax credits, if you are asked to by HMRC, and check all your tax credits information is right. This is to help make sure the amount of Universal Credit you receive is correct, the government has explained in a helpful guide on its website ahead of change.