New DWP change sees more than 300,000 miss out on benefits | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlbert TothFriday 27 February 2026 18:32 GMTMartin Lewis issues warning to 8m Universal Credit claimantsThe Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stopped benefits for 356,521 households who failed to claim Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice.These households, previously on 'legacy benefits', have lost an average of over £1,000 per month by not responding to the DWP's invitation to switch.The government aims to complete the migration of all legacy benefit claimants to Universal Credit by the end of March 2026, with 1.9 million households already successfully migrated out of 2.3 million notices sent.Claimants who do not respond to the migration notice within three months risk losing transitional protection, which ensures their total payments do not decrease during the move.Welfare experts advise claimants to respond promptly to migration letters, with the DWP offering enhanced support and resources like Citizens Advice to assist with the process.In fullMore than 300,000 lose benefits as DWP makes major changes – and more could followThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in