Update on Universal Credit from the DWP

The DWP has given an important update for people moving to Universal Credit. This update is about moving people from old benefits to a new system, and there is a deadline coming soon.
Over two million people have moved to Universal Credit. This is a big change in the UK benefits system. People are moving from old benefits like income support and housing benefit to Universal Credit to make the system simpler.
People get a letter telling them to claim Universal Credit by a certain date. They must claim by this date to keep getting money, or they might lose it.
The UK benefits system is changing.
Between July 2022 and March 2026, 2.4 million people got letters to move to Universal Credit. Of these, 2 million people have made a claim.
Many people have not made a claim yet, which means they might lose their benefits. The DWP has commented on this after an MP asked about it, saying some people will not have to meet the deadline for now.
An MP asked what the DWP is doing to help people move to Universal Credit.
The Minister of State for Work and Pensions said customers have access to support, including a helpline and help from Citizens Advice.
The DWP also gives some customers extra protection so they do not lose money when they move to Universal Credit. They know some groups might need more help.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is in charge.
For vulnerable customers, the DWP offers extra support from the moment they get their migration letter. This includes special contact and visiting support.
Some customers need a personal helper but do not have one yet. The DWP will exempt these customers from the deadline so they are not disadvantaged.
In April, the DWP said some benefits will end on June 30 as part of the Universal Credit change. This deadline was extended to give people more time.
Universal Credit is replacing old benefits to simplify the system. It combines six old benefits into one monthly payment to help people find and keep jobs.
There are six old benefits being replaced.
Citizens Advice says most old benefits will stop in July 2026. Most people should have gotten a migration letter by now.
If you have not gotten a letter, you should contact the DWP. They might contact you, but it is a good idea to talk to them soon so you do not miss payments.
For more information, visit the official government website about migration notices.