A Universal Credit deadline looms after which thousands of people will see old-style so-called legacy benefits stopped - and there are concerns many will not apply for new help in time. The final deadline is approaching for homes claiming such benefits and tax credits, after which they will need to switch over to Universal Credit.
On top of this, a further 'grace period' of one more month is available. People would still be able to claim before it is too late. Guy Opperman, Minister for Employment at the DWP, replied in a written answer: "It is a fundamental principle of social security in the United Kingdom that people need to make a claim for benefits. For those already in receipt of benefits, Parliament made it clear, through its passage of the Welfare Reform Act 2012, that entitlement to those benefits would cease as Universal Credit was implemented.
"Terminating benefits is our last resort. If a claimant does not claim by their extended deadline, they will be notified that their current benefit will be terminated, unless they have significant support needs requiring a further extension.